Farrell with his mom, Rita, at the Oscars
This week’s In Touch has a new interview with Colin Farrell in which he talks candidly about being a father and how he proud he is of his son, James, 4 1/2. James has a genetic condition called Angelman Syndrome, which is considered to be rare and is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism. People with Angelman Syndrome suffer from developmental and physical delays, speech problems and an inability to speak, and often have epilepsy. They are affectionate, enjoy human contact and are said to be able to communicate nonverbally in ways that exceed their speech, which can be limited to about 5 to 10 words.

Farrell told In Touch that he would rather “be home with my boy than out on the town,” and that he’s “just a blessed father to have this boy in my life.” James’ mom is Farrel’s ex girlfriend, model Kim Bordenave:

Has being a dad changed you?
Being a father kind of pushes you to an extreme of gentility and strength at the same time that you never thought could possibly reside in you. But I’m fairly sensitive, anyway!

What’s James like?
He’s an amazing child and the way he’s meant to be. I’m just a blessed father to have this boy in my life.

How is he doing these days?
Now, he’s great. When he took his first steps last year, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Thats must have been a happy moment.
He’s a happy boy and if you can honestly say that your child is happy, then you’re a very, very fortunate man.

What does he look like?
Many people think he looks like me. Lucky little man!

Where is home these days?
Wherever I find myself. Dublin will always be home. But I definitely do live in LA, too, for work and my boy.

You haven’t been seen out much lately.
Quite honestly, I’d rather be home with my boy than out on the town.

When you came to Hollywood, you were anointed the newest It Boy – what was that like?
All of the attention confused me from the get-go. At the same time, I found it enlightening to see how you could go from being no one to someone in just a short time.

Did you enjoy the attention?
Oh, I’ve enjoyed being famous! But I don’t think I would have had the patience to be in this business for even a month if I was chasing something as elusive as fame.

[From In Touch, print edition, March 3, 2008]

Farrell first revealed his son’s diagnosis last October, when he expressed many similar sentiments, saying that his son has shown “amazing courage” and is an “incredibly happy boy.” He said James enriches his life and that he is dedicated to help him reach his potential in life. He also said that the only time he remembers that there’s something wrong with him is when he sees him around other children his age.

People with Angelman Syndrome have an average life span, and it sounds like James has a loving father with the resources to make sure that he’s well cared for and comfortable for the rest of his life.

At Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, Farrell introduced the performance by Irish musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who later won best song for “Falling Slowly” from Once. Farrel brought his mom, Rita Farrell, as his date. When I first saw these pictures I thought he was dating a cougar because his mom is hot!

Farrell currently stars as a likable hitman in In Bruges, which is getting good reviews and is out in theaters in limited release.

Thanks to Splash for these photos.