The protagonist of the upcoming series “El Pingüino” started an organization to assist people with disabilities
The renowned Oscar-nominated actor, Colin Farrell, has taken a significant step in his personal and professional life by announcing the creation of the Colin Farrell Foundation. This new organization is designed to support people living with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The project has special meaning for Farrell, since his son, James, 20, lives with the Angelman syndrome, an incurable condition that causes “developmental delay, problems with speech and balance, mental disability, and sometimes seizures,” according to the Mayo Research Center. Although the genetic disorder does not affect life expectancy, it does present significant challenges for those affected and their caregivers.
In a recent interview with People, Farrell expressed his hope that “May the world be kind to James.”, and added that his goal is for “people to treat him with respect.”
The Irish actor, known for his work in The spirits of the island y The Batman, stressed that James, who celebrates his 21st birthday in September, will soon no longer be a minor, and with this, will not be eligible to be part of support systems and programs designed for people with special needs.
“You are left with a young adult who should be an integral part of our modern society and who is more often than not left behind,” Farrell, 48, said. For that reason, her foundation aims to address this transition by providing “education, awareness, support and innovative programs,” as detailed on the official website.
Initiatives include: housing and day workshops, support for direct support professionals, advocacy for funding and policy change, and camps aimed at beneficiaries.
The actor also spoke with admiration about his son's achievements, highlighting his effort and progress: “When he first started feeding himself, his face looked like [a painting] by Jackson Pollock. But he makes it and feeds wonderfully. I'm proud of him every day, because I think he's magical.".
Farrell also confessed that he does not feel comfortable with public exposure, although his private life is generally discreet, he has made an exception to focus on the well-being of James and young people in similar situations. “If he knew that by taking a photo in the yard with me we could help families and other young adults living with special needs, he would say, 'Dad, what are you talking about?' Why do you ask me? It’s obvious,” he added. “That's why we're doing it. This is all for James, it's all in his honor".
In addition to James, Farrell has another son named Henry, 14, who shares custody with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś.
Back to the DC universe
On the professional side, after the good reception of The masters of the air, Colin Farrell returned to Apple TV+ to star in the series Sugar. The story, framed in the noir genre, follows a private detective in Hollywood who must investigate the disappearance of the granddaughter of a legendary producer.
His next project is The Penguin, the Max series where he plays Batman's famous archenemy, Oswald Cobblepot, and his rise to power in Gotham City. According to the actor, the story “dark and incredibly violent” will take a look inside “man with the broken heart inside.”
“The death of Carmine Falcone at the end of The Batman Leave this void to fill. So there are several people who hold on to that power. “This is the journey of Oswald trying to get to the top through extraordinary obstacles,” he concluded.