The Two Loves of Colin Farrell’s Life: His Sons, James and Henry

When Colin Farrell won the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture award for The Banshees of Inisherin at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, his acceptance speech wasn’t just about his professional achievement. He used the moment to pay tribute to the two most important people in his life—his sons, James and Henry. “James and Henry, the loves of my life. I love you so much,” he said, spotlighting his heartfelt connection to his boys.

Farrell, known for his roles in films like The Batman and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has always made it clear that his most significant role is being a father. Whether he's attending star-studded red carpet events or spending quality time at home, it’s his two sons who truly define success for him.

James Padraig Farrell: Overcoming Challenges

Born on September 12, 2003, to Farrell and model Kim Bordenave, James Padraig Farrell has been at the center of his father's world. In 2007, James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects speech, movement, and development. Farrell has often spoken publicly about the unique challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs. “The struggles of a child with special needs can be brutal,” he said during a 2017 interview, “but the love shared is the needle and thread that mends all tears.”

Since James' diagnosis, Farrell has become an advocate for the Angelman syndrome community, often using his platform to raise awareness and push for further research. At a summit for Angelman syndrome research, Farrell advised parents facing a similar diagnosis. "You may feel like you're grieving one dream," he said, "but there are countless dreams and milestones still waiting to be discovered."

In 2021, Farrell and Bordenave took steps to become co-conservators of James as he approached adulthood, ensuring continued support for their son. By 2024, Farrell took an even more public step toward supporting young adults with special needs by launching the Colin Farrell Foundation. His non-profit organization aims to help adult children with intellectual disabilities navigate life, particularly when many support systems fade after turning 21. "I want the world to treat James with kindness and respect," Farrell explained.

Henry Tadeusz Farrell: Growing Up in the Spotlight

Farrell’s youngest son, Henry Tadeusz Farrell, was born on October 7, 2009, to Farrell and his Ondine co-star Alicja Bachleda-Curuś. Now 14, Henry has accompanied his father to several red carpet events, including the New York premiere of Farrell’s The Penguin. The father-son duo made a stylish pair in color-coordinated black suits, a shared sartorial moment that mirrored their appearance at the 2023 Oscars.

Despite being raised in the spotlight, Henry has a down-to-earth relationship with his father. In a 2020 interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Farrell shared a funny parenting mishap involving Henry. The actor had decided to watch the horror film It with his then-8-year-old son before bed—an event he now describes as a “parental dropping of the ball.”

Henry has also emerged as a vocal critic of his father's fashion choices. According to Farrell, Henry was mortified by his father’s preference for short shorts. “He says, ‘Please dad, do not wear the short shorts,’” Farrell joked in a 2022 interview. Yet, despite their occasional disagreements on style, Henry has shown support for his father in more public ways, such as attending high-profile events together, donning matching velvet tuxedos.

The Ultimate Role: Fatherhood

For Colin Farrell, the role of fatherhood surpasses any character he’s played on screen. “Fatherhood for me is the ultimate success,” he said in a 2004 interview, and this sentiment has only grown stronger over the years. Whether advocating for James' special needs or bonding with Henry over fashion, Farrell's love for his sons defines his personal and professional life.

With his ongoing commitment to raising awareness for Angelman syndrome and providing support for families dealing with intellectual disabilities, Farrell is proving that the real legacy he wants to leave is not in Hollywood, but in how he cares for his children.