Colin Farrell thinks his son is “magic” — but he’s also aware of the complexities of raising a child with a disability. On Wednesday, the “Sugar” star opened up to People in a video profile about his son James, 20, who has an intellectual disability called Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic condition that also affects his mobility. “He’s bold as brass,” Farrell said while describing James’ personality nearly 12 minutes into the video.
“And he’s cheeky as they come, but he’s just a damn fine young man.” Yet, despite clearly adoring his son, the actor said that raising a child with a disability is challenging and that he often feels “guilt” when he does “nice things” for himself. “It’s so all-encompassing that if you do something nice for yourself, or give yourself a massage, or go on a little two-day road trip with your husband or your wife, you feel like you’re being irresponsible, you feel like you’re neglecting your child,” Farrell said.
Now Farrell wants to help provide a place for parents and their disabled children to get a little self-care. The “Banshees of Inisherin” star told People that he is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation , which supports adults with intellectual disabilities through advocacy, education and programming. Farrell was inspired to start the foundation for a number of reasons, but one is that his son is approaching adulthood.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farr.