You probably know Colin Farrell as the guy who can disappear into a role like The Penguin or break your heart in The Banshees of Inisherin. But if you’ve seen him on a red carpet lately—specifically at the 2025 Emmys or the Oscars—you’ve likely noticed he isn't usually flanking a Hollywood starlet. Instead, he’s standing next to a tall, dapper teenager who looks remarkably like him, or he's using his massive platform to talk about a very different kind of hero at home.
When we talk about Colin Farrell kids, we aren't just talking about celebrity offspring who live in the shadows of the Hollywood sign. We're talking about two very different young men, James and Henry, who have fundamentally reshaped the actor’s life. Honestly, Colin has been pretty open about how being a dad saved him from himself. He went from the "bad boy" of the early 2000s to a man who literally spends his press tours talking about the lack of support for adults with intellectual disabilities.
It's a side of him that doesn't always make the tabloid headlines, but it's the most authentic version of him there is.
The Reality of Parenting James Padraig Farrell
James is Colin’s eldest, born in 2003 to the actor and model Kim Bordenave. He's 22 now. But his journey hasn't been the typical "son of a movie star" path. When James was a toddler, he was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder.
Basically, it affects the nervous system and causes severe developmental delays. It’s tough. We’re talking about issues with speech, balance, and even seizures. But if you hear Colin talk about James, he doesn't lead with the struggle. He leads with the "magic." He once described James as having the kind of spirit that just draws people in.
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Why the "21st Birthday" Changed Everything
In 2024, when James turned 21, the world changed for the Farrell family. See, in the United States and many other places, 21 is a "cliff." Once a child with special needs hits that age, they age out of most support systems. The special education classes? Gone. The government-mandated caregivers? Mostly gone.
Colin launched the Colin Farrell Foundation specifically because of this. He realized that even with his millions, navigating the world of adult disability care was a nightmare. He's been incredibly vocal about the fear that keeps special needs parents up at night: What happens when I’m gone?
Earlier in 2025, Colin shared a really personal update that resonated with a lot of families. He and Kim decided to move James into a long-term care facility. It wasn't about "sending him away." It was about ensuring James had a community and a life that was bigger than just his parents. Colin admitted it was a "tricky" and emotional decision, but he wanted to make sure James was settled and happy while his parents were still healthy enough to be part of that transition.
Henry Tadeusz Farrell: The "Fashion Critic" in the Family
Then there's Henry. Born in 2009, Henry is the son of Colin and his Ondine co-star Alicja Bachleda-Curús. If James is the inspiration for Colin’s advocacy, Henry is the one keeping his feet on the ground and his ego in check.
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Henry is 16 now, and honestly, the kid is taller than his dad. At the 2025 Emmy Awards, they walked the red carpet together in matching tuxes, and the internet basically lost it over how much they look alike. But Henry isn't exactly a superfan of his dad’s "bad guy" roles.
- The "Rotten Tomatoes" Committee: Colin jokes that his two sons are his harshest critics. They aren't impressed by the fame.
- The Short Shorts Incident: There was a whole thing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where Colin revealed Henry is "mortified" by his dad's penchant for wearing tiny running shorts.
- Career Path: Despite the red carpet appearances, Colin recently mentioned that Henry isn't necessarily itching to be an actor. He’s just a teenager figuring out his own path, even if that path involves telling his dad his outfit is embarrassing.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
People often assume that because Colin Farrell is a massive star, his kids live this perfectly shielded, easy life. But Colin Farrell kids face very real human challenges.
One of the biggest things people get wrong is the idea that James’ condition is something the family "cured" or "fixed." It’s a lifelong journey. Colin has spoken about the "Jackson Pollock" moments—like when James first learned to feed himself and ended up with food everywhere. It’s messy. It’s hard work.
Another misconception? That Henry is being "groomed" for Hollywood. While he’s comfortable on a red carpet, Colin has been adamant about letting both his sons be exactly who they are. Whether that’s James finding his independence in a care facility or Henry critiquing his dad’s wardrobe from the sidelines.
How Colin Farrell’s Parenting Impacts the Community
Colin’s work with the Special Olympics and his own foundation has turned him into a legitimate expert in the world of disability advocacy. He doesn't just cut a check; he shows up. He’s used his 2026 platform to push for better housing and "inclusive employment" for adults with intellectual disabilities.
If you're a parent in a similar boat, Colin’s openness is a bit of a North Star. He acknowledges the "parental dropping of the ball"—like the time he let 8-year-old Henry watch the horror movie It and realized halfway through it was a terrible idea. He’s human. He makes mistakes. But his commitment to his boys is basically the "ultimate success" of his life, by his own admission.
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Actionable Insights for Families and Fans
If you've been following the journey of the Farrell family, there are a few ways to turn that interest into something meaningful:
- Check out the Colin Farrell Foundation: If you want to understand the "cliff" at age 21, their website has resources on advocacy and housing for adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Support Local Special Olympics: Colin started his advocacy journey here back in 2003. It’s one of the easiest ways to support kids like James in your own community.
- Learn about Angelman Syndrome: It’s often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy. Increasing awareness helps families get the right support earlier.
- Advocate for Adult Care: If you have a platform—even a small one—talk about the need for better systems for adults who age out of school-based support. It’s a gap in the system that Colin is trying to bridge, but it takes more than one movie star to fix it.