What do GNMParents readers think about this late-breaking news story about Colin Farrell finally talking about his son, who suffers from Angelman Syndrome? First, read the first few paragraphs of the article:
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Hollywood superstar Colin Farrell yesterday opened his heart and revealed that his four-year-old son James is a special-needs child.
The renowned Irish actor revealed that his treasured son was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy called Angelman Syndrome.
In a moving interview, the actor described how the condition has affected his sons speech and mobility.
Obviously, it’s a parent’s right to keep their children’s health concerns private. But what if you are a celebrity, like Colin Farrell? Is there an ethical responsibility on the part of famous people to advocate fund-raising for research on such disorders? Is Colin Farrell a regular person, who should be allowed to keep his private life private, or does he owe the families affected by Angelman Syndrome (which may be as common as 1 in 10,000 births) his voice and his name and his face?
[tags]Angelman Syndrome, special needs, kids, children, parents, celebrity, famous, Colin Farrell[/tags]
4 responses so far ↓
AmyL // Oct 15, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Hm. Gonna have to ponder this one for a while. At first blush I find the notion that a famous person owes anyone anything offensive. On the other hand….he does make his living off of the devotion of fans. I guess that different worldviews will answer this question differently. I personally don’t like to ask things of people, so asking Farrell to extend himself in that way seems like a lot.
Denise A // Oct 15, 2007 at 12:59 pm
I personally think it is his business. He has the same right as anyone else to keep his personal family matters private. Just because he is a celebrity does not make him less vulnerable, Colin Farrell has the right to adjust and concentrate on the needs of his own son at this moment in time. The only responsibility he has right now is to his own son.
Mary Pitkin // Oct 15, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I have known for awhile that Colin’s son suffered from some type of health problem. Rumors were spreading on many discussion forums..and as usual with rumors.. none of them were based on any real facts.
While I firmly believe that celebrities deserve a greater level of privacy than they now recieve, I did personally think that it might be better if Colin came out and said exactly what the problem was. I always think that speculation is worse than facts.
I also do think that when a celebrity is willing to expose himself and his family to the glare of publicity in the name of gaining interest and money for research into a certain health problem, it is often a very positive thing. I’ve seen other celebs with children who are autistic, had brain damage etc.. raise the public’s interest and therefore loads of money… all for a cause that is close to their heart. I do not however, think that a parent should feel as if he/she must do this just because he/she is a celeb. It has to be a family decision since it involves both parents, as well as the child with the illness and siblings.
I’m proud of Colin for atleast clearing up the speculation on what his son’s health problem was. What he does from here on in is totally his business. I’ll support him no matter what he decides to do.
Barbara D // Oct 15, 2007 at 5:39 pm
As the mother of a child with Angelman Syndrome, I am pleased that Mr. Farrell decided to share personal information about his son. I do not believe that becoming a “spokesman” for any issue is a job requirement for any entertainer. However, I am grateful to any public figure who chooses to use the power of their celebrity to educate the public and raise awareness about important “quality of life” issues.
I have great respect for Mr. Farrell, who it seems, took the time he and his family needed before making himself available to discuss such a personal issue. No one should feel compelled to become the “voice” or “face” of any issue unless they feel they are equipped to do so. I do feel Mr. Farrell did a wonderful job articulating what so many parents of children with Angelman Syndrome feel; that aside from the physical and developmental challenges, our children provide us great insight into resilience, tenancity and heartfelt affection.
It is my hope that Colin Farrell’s fans and admirers take it one step further by reading up on Neurogenetic disorders such as AS by checking out the Angelman Syndrome Foundation website at http://www.angelman.org/angel/ and to consider reaching out to co-workers, neighbors and friends with children with special needs. Believe it or not, there are stars in your midst!
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