Irish actor Colin Farrell has launched a foundation for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in honour of his son James who has Angelman syndrome.
Farrell, best known for roles in films including Banshees of Inisherin and In Bruges, timed the launch of his foundation with an interview with People magazine about James.
The interview is the cover story for the magazine's latest issue, with Farrell's quote "I want the world to be kind to my son" printed on the cover.
"This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I'm speaking is I can't ask James if he wants to do this," Farrell told the magazine.
"I speak to James as if he's 20 and has perfect fluency with the English language and age-appropriate cognitive ability.
"But I can't discern a particular answer from him as to whether he's comfortable with all this or not, so I have to make a call based on knowing James's spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart."
Farrell talked about launching the foundation in light of 20-year-old James approaching an age when he'll be too old to benefit from support programs for children.
"Once your child turns 21, they're kind of on their own," he said.
He said he feared for the future, when James is in his 30s and 40s.
Farrell told the magazine about how hard James worked to reach milestones, tearing up when he spoke about his son taking his first steps.
The Colin Farrell Foundation's website says it'll focus on housing and day programs for people living with intellectual disabilities, workforce support and camps as well as advocating for policy changes and funding for services.
"The goal of our programs and initiatives is to make significant strides in improving the lives of those living with intellectual disability," it says.
"Our work brings hope and tangible support to families in need."
What is Angelman syndrome?
It's a rare genetic condition that impacts the functioning of nerves in the brain.
And when these nerves don't work properly, it can cause a range of physical and intellectual problems, a fact sheet from government-funded national health advice service Healthdirect says.
It affects approximately 1 in 15,000 live births, the Angelman Syndrome Association Australia (ASAA) website says.
International Angelman Day is held on February 15 each year, when landmarks are lit up with blue to raise awareness about the condition.
What are the symptoms of Angelman syndrome?
Healthdirect says people with Angelman syndrome often:
- laugh and smile for no apparent reason
- speak very little, or not at all
- have severe intellectual disability and delayed development
- have problems with balance and movement, such as difficulty sitting up without support, walking with stiff legs and making jerky arm movements
- are restless and excitable
- need less sleep than most people, especially as children
It says some people with Angelman syndrome have:
- seizures
- a small head, which is flat at the back
- certain facial features, such as widely spaced teeth and eyes that look in different directions
Is there a cure for Angelman syndrome?
No, but people with Angelman syndrome have a "near-normal life expectancy", Healthdirect says.
"[They] need life-long care to help them achieve the best possible quality of life.
"Ideally, this care should be provided by a team of health professionals."
And the ASAA says scientists are working towards improving this.
"Researchers are working hard to deliver therapeutics to improve and ultimately alleviate all symptoms of AS and there is a shared belief in the research community that this is possible," its website says.
"Research into AS has advanced rapidly in the last 10 years and there are a number of gene therapy approaches and treatment options in development."
How is Angelman syndrome treated?
It depends on the person and their symptoms.
The goal of treatment is to improve the person's quality of life.
So that can include things like:
- speech therapy
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy to improve posture, balance and movement
Some people with Angelman syndrome may use physical supports such as back or leg braces.
They might also take medication to help control seizures.
What causes Angelman syndrome?
A genetic defect a person with Angelman syndrome is born with.
"Angelman syndrome is caused by the lack of just one functional gene – UBE3A on chromosome 15," ASAA's website says.
A genetic test called DNA microarry testing is often used in diagnosing a person.
"In most cases, Angelman syndrome isn't inherited from parents, but happens by chance, around the time of conception," Healthdirect says.
Who are Colin Farrell's children ?
Farrell has two children, James and Henry, who he described in his 2023 Golden Globes acceptance speech as "the loves of my life".
James was born in 2003 and Henry was born in 2009.
James's mother is model Kim Bordenave.
Henry's mother is actor Alicja Bachleda-Curus.
The actor brought his youngest son along with him to the Oscars in 2023, when Farrell was up for Best Actor for his role in Banshees of Inisherin.