Colin Farrell admits ‘not even me as his dad’ understands son’s heartbreaking struggles with rare condition
The Hollywood actor has spoken about the profound impact of fatherhood while discussing his new HBO documentary, which features a surprise appearance from his eldest son and follows a close friend living with a debilitating genetic disorder.
Colin Farrell has admitted even he cannot fully understand the challenges faced by his son James, who lives with a rare neurological condition that has profoundly affected his development.
The Irish actor, 50, spoke about his eldest son, 23, who has Angelman syndrome, during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Wednesday (11.11.26).
Colin was discussing his forthcoming HBO documentary The Slightest Touch, which follows his longtime friend Emma Fogarty and her experience of living with a rare skin condition, when he explained how James unexpectedly became part of the film.
Colin said: “I've seen up close and personal James' struggles.”
He added: “And his struggles like Emma's, even though none of us, not even me as his dad, know the depths and nuance of them... his struggles are very obvious.”
The Hollywood star explained James had not originally been intended to appear in the documentary, but the similarities between the challenges faced by his son and Emma made the moment an important part of the finished film.
Emma lives with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes the skin to become extremely fragile and prone to painful blistering and wounds, sometimes following even minor contact or friction.
Colin said: “And if you see Emma, you see her bandages and you know instantly the person is struggling. So that, if you have any kind of empathy as a human being, that just opens you up.”
The actor, who is known for his performances in The Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges and The Batman, has spoken extensively about raising James and the impact his son has had on his life.
James, whom Colin shares with his former partner Kim Bordenave, was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy before doctors identified Angelman syndrome when he was a young child.
The genetic disorder affects the nervous system and can cause significant developmental delays, intellectual disability, difficulties with movement and balance, and limited or absent speech.
James is non-verbal and requires assistance with everyday activities, something Colin has discussed while advocating for greater support for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The actor is also father to Henry, 17, whom he shares with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his former co-star in the 2009 romantic drama Ondine.
Speaking to This Morning presenters Cat Deeley, 50, and Ben Shephard, 51, Colin described the influence both his sons have had on him.
He said: “You meet people in your life and they're heart-openers.”
Colin continued: “Children do that to you – they open your heart something shocking and there's no doubt both James and Henry have done that to me.”
Colin has previously described fatherhood as one of the most important influences on his personal development.
In a 2024 interview with the Daily Mail, he said: “Both my boys have taught me. I feel they've raised me more than I could ever raise them. That sounds twee but it's true.”
