Irish actor Colin Farrell has launched a foundation for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in honor 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 said.

'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.

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 foundation will 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,' Farrell said.

International Angelman Day is held on February 15 each year, when landmarks are lit up with blue to raise awareness about the condition.

'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,' the foundation's 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.

'Angelman syndrome is caused by the lack of just one functional gene – UBE3A on chromosome 15.

In most cases, Angelman syndrome isn't inherited from parents, but happens by chance, around the time of conception.

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.

'We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.

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