The Penguin star Colin Farrell has spoken about his family over the years, including his two sons, Henry Farrell and James Farrell, whom he has described as the ‘loves of his life’
Nominee Colin Farrell was joined by one of his children at the Emmy Awards last night. The Penguin star and his youngest son posed on the red carpet together ahead of this year’s winners being announced in the ceremony.
Colin, 49, was among those nominated in the Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series category at the annual event in the US for his role in the HBO show. The accolade was instead given to fellow nominee Stephen Graham, who won the award for his performance in Netflix’s Adolescence.
At the ceremony in Los Angeles, Colin was joined by his son Henry Farrell, 15, with them having posed for photos in their black suits whilst on the red carpet together. He was previously accompanied by Henry to the Oscars in 2023.
READ MORE: Emmys 2025 viewers all agree this comedy star was ‘snubbed’ after ‘phenomenal’ performanceREAD MORE: Owen Cooper’s first words after making history as youngest male acting Emmy winner
Henry, whose mother is actor Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, 42, is the youngest of Colin’s two children. Colin and Alicja, who were co-stars on the film Ondine (2009), were said to have separated a year after their son was born in 2009.
Whilst at the Oscars two years ago, Henry was asked by Extra if Colin is a “disciplinarian” as a parent. After being warned to “be careful” by his father, who also teased that $20 could be his, Henry said: “No, he’s definitely nice!”
It’s also been teased that Henry is a critic of Colin’s work. Asked if his children are honest with him, Colin told Extra last year that they would be while providing feedback, but added that they would also be “sensitive” to his feelings.
Colin is also a parent to eldest son James Farrell, 22, whose mother is model Kim Bordenave, 53. Colin has previously shared that James, whose parents split in 2003, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was a child.
According to the NHS, Angelman syndrome is “a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities”. It adds that people with the condition will need support throughout their life.
Colin, who has said that James was initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, has spoken about his eldest son on occasions over the years. He once told People that James, who is said to be non-verbal, taking his first steps shortly before his fourth birthday had been “profound” and “magic”. He added: “I’ll never forget just the face of determination on him as he walked toward me. He took like six steps, and I burst into tears.”
As previously reported, more recently, Colin told Candis Magazine that he had made the decision for James to live in a long-term care facility. Colin said that he “respects” parents who want to look after their children themselves before adding: “But my horror would be… What if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash and she’s taken too – and then James is on his own?”
Colin said: “Then he’s a ward of the state and he goes where?” He added that James’ parents would have “no say in it” and they were said to be looking for somewhere for him now so they can visit him and take him out. Colin said: “We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected.”
Last year, the Colin Farrell Foundation, which is “committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability,” launched. Speaking to People amid the launch, he said that once someone turns 21 they are “kind of on their own,” adding: “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”
Colin described his children as the “loves of his life” during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes in 2023. He won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture for his role in the film the Banshees of Inisherin (2022). The actor said in his speech: “My kids at home who are watching this, James and Henry, the loves of my life, I love you so much.”
He has also mentioned other relatives in the past. Colin paid tribute to his family at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in February. It came after he won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his role as Oswald Cobb, also known as the Penguin, in the Penguin.
Colin mentioned his siblings Eamon Farrell, Catherine Farrell and Claudine Farrell in the speech. It included thanking Claudine, whom he said has worked with him for more 20 years. He went on to say that Catherine had been the first actor in the family, adding whilst on stage: “[She] showed me that that was a possibility that you could pursue that passion.”
He then paid tribute to his parents, Rita Farrell and the late Eamon Farrell, and his children. Colin said in his speech: “My mum, Rita, my dad, Eamon, and the two people in my life who have made my life so much more special and so much more meaningful and so much more joyful than I ever truly thought possible – my son James and my son Henry.
Two months later, it was announced in April that Colin’s father Eamonn had died, aged 83, “after a long illness”. As previously reported, he later paid tribute in a eulogy to the former Shamrock Rovers F.C. player at his funeral.
Colin said: “It seems impossible to try and encapsulate all that you meant to me in 48 years of being father and son. I suppose I should start with a simple truth. I’m so glad you were my dad. We had our share of tricky enough times along the path, but what fathers and sons don’t. But as I grew into manhood, and particularly as I too became a dad, all I could and can remember are the good times. More importantly, all I can feel are the good times we shared.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
READ MORE: Lego drops biggest Harry Potter set that’s perfect for stashing away ahead of Christmas
