Colin Farrell Was Told Son May Never Walk There Is No Cure Yet — He Gave up Drugs to Fight for Him

Colin Farel is most famously known for his roles in many popular films. His past as hell-raising alcohol and drug addict has long come to an end thanks to the birth of his first child, James. 

Colin Farel is an Irish actor born on May 31, 1976, in Dublin. His acting inspiration came from seeing fellow actor Henry Thomas’s performance in the iconic film, E.T. He attended the Gaiety School of Acting. Still, He dropped out to star in a BBC television series. He is most famous for his roles in films such as “Dare Devil” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Colin Farel has an infamous dating history involving other A-list celebrities. In 2000, he dated English actress and singer Amelia Warner. They were rumored to be married on the island of Bora Bora in 2001, but it only lasted four months. Amelia later clarified that they both knew it was not legal.

Colin has also reportedly dated celebrities like Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, and Angelina Jolie. He was even rumored to have a fling with Rihanna after they met on the Graham Norton Show in late 2010. But he has had more serious relationships. In 2003, Colin and model Kim Bordenave welcomed a son James Padraig, born with a rare form of cerebral palsy.  

FATHERING A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

In 2007, Colin revealed that his son was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy called Angelman Syndrome, which affects his speech and mobility. During that time, Colin was suffering from a drug and alcohol addiction, and despite his son’s diagnosis, he decided not to change:

“I literally said, ‘I’m not changing! I’m gonna be his friend!’ Like a *** 28-year-old drug-addicted drunk friend is exactly what my six-week-old son needs.”

Colin was initially told by doctors that due to Angelman Syndrome, his son might never walk. There is no cure for Angelman Syndrome, but there are currently six different medical opportunities in development to improve the lives of people living with the condition.

COLIN CHANGES HIS LIFE TO BECOME A BETTER FATHER 

His drug and alcohol-fueled lifestyle didn’t change when Colin first became a father. James was three years old before Colin changed his life. He said, “But I’m different to what I was yesterday, and life is quieter now for me than it was a few years ago. I’m cool with that. I love my kids.

A few weeks before Colin’s son turned four, he remarkably took his first steps. He mentioned that although a child’s first steps are extraordinary for all parents, it was even more special for him. He began speaking publicly about James’s challenges and triumphs after attending the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai. 

COLIN DESCRIBES JAMES AS A PHENOMENAL CHILD 

Colin revealed that his son’s health had improved drastically over the years, including his seizures lessening. He added that he rarely sees his condition anymore and is keenly aware of his personality. “We have the seizures under control. He helps us in a way to be better people. He’s so much fun to be around. I am crazy about him. His health is good,” he added. 

He added that James’s progress had inspired him over the years. Whereas many people could take activities such as feeding themselves and walking for granted, they were harder for James to learn. But now, Colin’s son can do all these and more. 

Colin had his second child, Henry, with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curús in 2009. Although Colin and Alicja broke up in 2010, the pair have a courteous co-parenting relationship. Colin said that he is crazy about Henry, even during the less sweet moments when he criticizes Colin’s fashion choices, especially the short shorts Colin was caught wearing by the paparazzi in the past. 

HOW COLIN IS RAISING HIS CHILDREN 

In 2021 Colin applied to be a co-conservator with Kim for their son James because James is nonverbal and has fine motor challenges because of Angelman Syndrome. The conservatorship would allow the parents to manage the personal needs, including medical decisions, of someone unable to care for themselves. 

Colin explained that his children don’t know that he is a movie star and that he would try to keep it that way despite his worldwide fame. “They think I do silly voices and make decent chicken fingers for them,” he said. He added that he led a straightforward life which allowed him to be there for his children. 

Colin said that fatherhood changed him entirely and found parenting much harder than acting: 

“My kids are my masters. They bring up a lot of fear and self-judgment in me. Having kids is the most important thing in my life. This whole acting business is nothing in comparison.”

COLIN’S LIFESTYLE TODAY

Colin is far away from the hard-partying lifestyle he was infamous for in his 20s. Speaking at a virtual event in the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, he said that sobriety was scary after decades of drinking and partying the way he did. But he powered through the initial discomfort and self-judgment. 

In 2018 after filming three movies back-to-back, Colin decided to book himself into rehab because he felt urges to return to narcotics. He said that he went to rehab as a preventative measure before getting to a bad place. Colin currently continues to act and focus on his children. He most recently starred as “The Penguin” in director Matt Reeves’s “The Batman.”