Colin's Secret Confession
Filed under: Inspiration > Colin Farrell
He may be about as appealing as a sperm milkshake, but we have to applaud Colin Farrell for coming forward and speaking publicly about his son with special needs.
Little James Farrell is 4 years old and suffers from a rare form of cerebral palsy called Angelman Syndrome*.
Despite the heartbreak the syndrome has caused he said that he is “incredibly blessed to have him in my life” and told of his joy when James recently took his first steps.
He said that his son had shown “amazing courage” in the first four years of his life and that he is an “incredibly happy boy” despite his condition.
Colin – who has starred in such movies as Miami Vice and Phone Booth – said that James has “enriched” his life “incredibly.”
And he said that he is dedicated to helping his son reach his own “individual potential” and to be “as happy as he can be.”
”With my son the only time I'm reminded that there is something different about him – that he has some deviation of what is perceived to be normal – is when I see him with other four-year-olds.
“Then I go “oh yeah” and it comes back to me. But from day one I felt that he's the way he's meant to be.”
The actor spoke with pride about the barriers his son has overcome in the first four years of his life – and paid tribute to his exgirlfriend Kim for being proactive in getting James the early intervention he needs.
“He took his first steps about six weeks ago and it was four years in the making. All the work is his, he worked his arse off for four years.”
“And when he took the first steps it was incredibly emotional, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.”
He's broken that barrier and its all about building on that now.
“I have never thought of my son as being someone with a disability. It goes back to special needs and what is a disability and what isn't”.
*Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder named after a British paediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman, who first described the syndrome in 1965.[1] A syndrome is a collection of features which occur together as a group and indicate a particular condition. AS is characterised by intellectual and developmental delay, speech impediment, sleep disturbance, unstable jerky gait, seizures, hand flapping movements, frequent laughter/smiling and usually a happy demeanour.
[Image by Zibi via WENN.]
Re: pinky –
Pinky, I stand corrected. Thanks. I tried to find pic of this woman, but it is tough (thought she was a model). I don't really keep up with Colin's personal life (too many babes to keep up) so I didn't know that. I knew that the video tape sex thing was a black model too. Colin sure does like his chocolate delights! *LOL*
Wow, a celebrity not being as asshole. I'm speechless. God Bless him.
AIN'T KARMA A BITCH!!!
Dr. Perez Hilton,
*Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder named after a British paediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman, who first described the syndrome in 1965.[1] A syndrome is a collection of features which occur together as a group and indicate a particular condition. AS is characterised by intellectual and developmental delay, speech impediment, sleep disturbance, unstable jerky gait, seizures, hand flapping movements, frequent laughter/smiling and usually a happy demeanour.
Does this say anything about cerebral palsy?????
Angelman's id similar to Autism not cerebral palsy. Perez pay your research interns a little more please.
God bless Colin and James. Very commendable to speak about his son. Now come out the rest of you celebrity cowards. Help and compassion is all around you!
DONT ENGAGE IN INTERACIAL SEX. YOULL END UP WITH A KID LIKE COLIN OR A GANGBANGER. IT WILL RUIN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!
Perez, it is completely tacky to have stuff coming out of his mouth in association with this story. You are sick.
Could you finally stop using the word 'retarded' (celebretard, etc.) to insult people, given your apparent compassion for Colin Farrell's son's condition? It's not about being politically correct, it's just not making fun/degrading kids…
wOw!
I had twins with a genetic disorder MPS……..San falipo disorder ….they have passed on but it was hell!
To Collin wtg man! its hard as hell but they teach you so much that a regular person never gets to experience!
It's nice when celebs come out and speak about there special needs children. As a mother with 2 special needs kids it reminds the world that just because you have money, fame, and power you cannot predict how your life can be changed for the better with special children. They are gifts and that is for sure. Do not feel sorry them, they are happier than most people.
Re: ALOIS – what about homosexual sex? particularly white guys taking it up the ass? preferrably by whites or latins?
Re: 25beergut –
WHAT ABOUT IT? ITS DISGUSTING AND WE HAVE AIDS TO TAKE CARE OF THAT
It's so wierd. I saw that Miami Vice was playing when I was channel surfing lsdt night and kinda said to myself, I wonder where Colin Farrell's been? Now I know, kudos to you, your kid is your #1 priority and all the rest doesn't matter.
Re: ALOIS – It is not disgusting. Its fabulous! It feels so good! you just have to wear a condom that's all. you sound like your'e tense. Maybe a dick in your ass will put you in a better mood. I love white straight looking jock guys and hung latinos, theyr'e good lovers.
Re: 25beerbelly –
HOPEFULLY YOULL SUCK THE AIDS OUT OF ONE SOMEDAY SOON
I think it is very noble of him to talk about it. It takes a lot for a parent, especially famous, to talk about their kid with special needs. I would have never imagined him being very pro-active about talking about it and hopefully he can help other people see the abilities that are possible.
I'm a special education teacher and have worked with many kids over the years who have angelmans. Just a correction, Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain whereas AS is a genetic disorder. So AS is not a form of CP.
Not much of a secret confession if he told the world press now is it. You could have left the drool? outta the pic.
I commend Colin on telling this and perhaps in some way give comfort parents of other special needs children
ok -
first of all, Colin went to rehab right after he wrapped Miami Vice and right before The New World was released which was around December of 2005. it was after he got out of rehab that he disappeared from the gossip circuit. i'm guessing that's because he's been sober since then.
did he make some bad decisions while he was using? gee, i bet he did. most addicts do.
but, i've got several close friends who worked with him, and every one of them adores him. of all the "stars" they've worked with over the years, there is only one that they talk about with that level of affection and respect. and that's Colin. these friends don't impress easily, so, i've got to believe that he's a pretty great guy.
i'm glad to hear him speaking out about Angelman's. having a kid with special needs is a challenge. and often a challenge because of the reactions that you get from other people. the more often it's normalized, the better it is for every one.
Re: ALOIS – sweetie just so you know, perez is a cuban homo and so if you are really racist and a homophobe, you're really rooting for the wrong team and making him wealthier
Props to Colin for coming forward and talking so beautifully about his son's condition. Yet why the need for your little drawings around his mouth? Completely unneccessary and rude! Of all the things you write, you should be ashamed of that picture.
I wonder if his heavy drug use contributed to his child's medical condition.
he looks like jason,
from the hills!
as a speech pathologist i just have to say that i HATE the word "impediment." it has such a negative connotation to it. i much prefer calling it a speech or language disorder.
What a cute kid.. Bless him.
I THINK IT'S A CURSE, COLLIN AND HIS WOMAN TOOK TOO MUCH DRUGS, THE POOR LITTLE BOY DID NOT DESERVE THAT. SOME PARENTS ARE SO STUPID.
GOD This makes him so much sexier in my book !
This makes him so sexy. A hot dad who cares. Oh man, fuck me Colin.
he sounds like a great parent, full of love. respect, and support for his child. you could have drawn something else on his photo for this particular article perez, like a heart or something not disgusting - you have no class whatsoever.
Thank you Colin for being such a insparation to parents out there with children with special needs. Your right in saying its not a disability, it truly just is a child with special needs , different from "normal" Children's needs.
You and your ex wife keep doing what your doing!! Your doing an amazing job! good luck with all that you do and thank you for being such a brave person and parent .
Angelman's Syndrome is not CP or CP related….CP is not genetic, AS is a genetic disorder affecting the 15th chromosome.
As the mother of a special needs three year old, who also did not walk until recently, it's great to see that some celebrities are normal people with problems just like us. I used to not respect Colin Farrell, but I do now. It's a daily struggle for my husband and I. If only more celebrity parents cared about their children like he does. It's also a relief to see that celebrities don't all have the perfect little babies you see every week in the tabloids!
Well, now I really have respect for Farrell. God bless his son and that wonderful mother that is taking care of him.
In another note, the syntomes of the decease, intellectual delay, unstable jerky gate, hand flapping movements and smiling and happy demeanur remind me of Sally Field. Who knew she had Angelman Syndrome..Oh well.
such a beautiful human being.
I always loved Colin, but now I love him even more. I'm sure everyone has been wondering why he's pretty much disappeared from acting over the last few years, but now we know. He's to be commended!
Re: DMacFly – I totally agree with you there is NOTHING sad about this. All children are a gift, no matter what "perfect shape" they are in. And btw there is no perfect any more–just go to your local park and you'll see.
I have a brother with Downs Syndrome and I love to see when celebrities and other people in the limelight are accepting and open when they have children with disabilities. It helps to see people in powerful positions in the same places as we are, and it shows a good example for parents of children with special needs and helps them see that they're not the only ones going through this.
what's so unappealing about a sperm milkshake? That shit is tast-eee!
Re: anitx –
No heavy drug use or partying caused this disorder! Read the previous posts! It is an error in the mother's egg, that occured when she was in her mother's womb. EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY WOMAN ON THIS PLANET HAS APROX. A 1% chance of having a child with Angelman Syndrome. It could be higher, since Angelman Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as autism, CP or other childhood disorders.
Re: Nip He’s happy because its a symptom of the syndrome. DUH –
While children with AS are exceptionally happy, it's not a symptom. They really are happy! They do show other emotions such as anger, sadness and such just like everyone else.
Re: laurie – Actually dumbass it is not the same thing AT ALL.
Autism is defined by three characteristics 1.) social deficits 2.) verbal deficits (so not an impediment - many just lack communication) 3.) ritualized bx.
So other than the common trait of "hand flapping" that is seen that is the ONLY similarity between the two. Dumbass
Actually dumbass it is not the same thing s autism AT ALL.
Autism is defined by three characteristics 1.) social deficits 2.) verbal deficits (so not an impediment - many just lack communication) 3.) ritualized bx.
So other than the common trait of "hand flapping" that is seen that is the ONLY similarity between the two. Dumbass
Wow, good for him. I'd still drink his sperm milkshake!!
What a brave man..a couple of years ago he was filled with such selfishness…to read that he is embracing his son and the disability is absolutly encouraging to many parents……God for you lad….
Hey, Perez, My son has AS, too, and it's not a form of cerebral palsy. It's due to a chromosomal aberration. Had no idea Collin's son was affected. Good luck to them.
My son has Angelman Syndrome and even though it's hard to understand why this happens to your child these children do bless you in a different way. My son is 8 now and I wouldn't know what to do without him. Thumbs up to you Collin, honestly you could of ran out on him and you didn't. That's a true Dad! I have a new respect for you.
For everyone saying how sad this is:
I work with a child with Angelman's syndrome and I have to say that he has brought more happiness into my life than anyone.
These children are different, not meaningless. They don't lead meaningless lives, they just live different lives.
I have to applaud Farrell for bringing attention to the positive aspects of this syndrome.
Re: Karen – Karen I don't understand why you are calling people a dumbass because Cerebral Palsy does seem like it's Angelman in different ways. My son has Angelman and he does show signs that would lead you to think he has Autism. Why do you think people have been mistaken for Autism when in fact they have Angelman.
Sounds like Colin is a great dad! Good for him and God bless his little boy!
Yay for Colin, that is excellent, his support for his son…and yes perez…that was a little far having that stuff coming out of his mouth……
"He may be about as appealing as a sperm milkshake"
ARE YOU PEOPLE ON FUCKING CRACK?! THAT MAN IS FUCKING GORGEOUS. I'd hit that more then 2x. He's hot and his accent is captivating.
Shame he's such a whore, he might be all right otherwise.
Re: KTakacs4@yahoo.com –
Haha, reminds me of his Scrubs appearance. "What? He told me my hair was curly…"
I had no idea that his son had Angelman Syndrome. He seems to love his son unconditionally. I have a whole new respect for him.
PEREZ, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF ,YOU ARE VERY CRUEL PERSON DOING THIS TO COLIN'S PICTURE AND I HATE FOR THAT.
AND FOR THOSE INSENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAD NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT COLIN , I JUST SAY WATCH OUT FOR KARMA AND DON'T MAKE FUN OF SOMEBODY'S MISFORTUNE.
I AM SO SAD TO HEAR THIS NEWS ABOUT COLIN , I KNOW IT MUST BE VERY TOUGH TO BE IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT. NOW I REALIZE THE SAD LOOK IN HIS FACE LATELY .GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
PEREZ , YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF FOR DOING THIS TO COLIN'S PICTURE. YOU ARE SO CRUEL AND I HATE YOU FOR THAT. YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CLASS AT ALL.
AND FOR THOSE INSENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS THAT MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT COLIN, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY , JUST WATCH OUT FOR KARMA, FOR MAKING FUN OF SOMBODY'S MISFORTUNE.
IT IS SO SAD TO HEAR THIS NEWS ABOUT COLIN ,I KNOW IT IS VERY TOUGH TO BE IN THIS SITUATION. NOW I REALIZED THE REASON FOR THE SAD LOOK ON COLIN'S FACE LATELY.
Another Soul-Less Meatbag, Social burden born into the world. Smother it NOW!!!
How You can you not love him? Beautiful inside and out!!!!!
Re: laurie – Re: laurie –
I am sure if the child is diagnosed as Autistic, Collin would speak of that in the same manner. There is noting wrong with autism or whatever condition Collin says his child has.
Why are you so defensive about autism. I have an autistic niece and your thoughts did not cross my mind at all. Thanks to all who have written nice thoughts and comments. Don't see that very often on this site.
P.S.Go Collin!! You are even sexier now to me, knowing you are good father and have such a nice package. XO
Re: KTakacs4@yahoo.com –
I agree 100%%%
Collin is very sexy!!! I'll drink Collins Sperm Milkshake supersized please.
Re: laurie –
#29 its not autism at all, so chill out. You may be confusing another "AS," Asperger's Syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. Neither Asperger's or autism itself are characterized by any sort of "flapping hands" or "happy demeanor" or "frequent laughter or smiling, or "sleep disturbance.
Re: IHATECELEBS –
Re: IHATECELEBS – I'd say that you're the one who needs smothering for a comment like that, you low-life.
Re: IHATECELEBS – You're the one who needs smothering. The world would be such a better please without people who think like you, IHATECELEBS.
Way to go Collin for not hiding your son and for being so proud of him. James is a very lucky kid to have such a loving family.
Re: samsuma – what are you talking about? i have never heard of him or charlie torturing anyone. is this common knowledge? they're abusive to women to the point of harming them forever?
HE IS SOOOOOOOOO FINEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: laurie – Wow laurie!!! response to your #29 remark. You seem a little abscent minded. You have no idea what you are talking about. One is not better than the other let me tell ya. Both make very special people. My son has Angelman and no it is not autism. Totally seperate. He does show signs of Autism and that's why people are misdiagnosed for Autism instead of Angelman. If you have no special knowledge in this than I suggest you keep your crappy comments to yourself. If his child was Autistic i'm sure he would have no problem in saying that. What his child has is Angelman and it is different. I actually think by saying his son is Autistic would be a little better. Seeing Angelman has more mental delayment and physical problems. So Shhhh with your comments!
colin you are such a good dad , god bless you and your family.
colin you are such a good dad , god bless you and your family.
and perez , why did you do that to colin's picture ,that is not nice at all.
colin you are such a good dad , god bless you and your family.
and perez , why did you do that to colin's picture ,that is not nice at all.
colin you are such a good dad , god bless you and your family.
and perez , why did you do that to colin's picture ,that is not nice at all.
Angelman Syndrome is NOT related to CP in any manner. It is a VERY rare genetic disorder that inhibits speech, affects the gait which, if the child is lucky enough to walk, appears very jerky and awkward, unfortunately causes severe mental retardation and developmental delays, and has the unusual affect of making children very happy and smiley.
CP, on the other hand, is a neurological problem, a bucket diagnosis caused by brain bleeds, lack of oxygen, and other birth trauma.
TY Perez 4 posting all of that. Especially the description. You may not be so "dark" after all!
he's a good guy
Re: PACA – actually angelman is usually caused by a faulty gene on the mother's side