Colin Farrell is a beloved actor thanks to his numerous memorable roles on TV and film. With two Golden Globes to his name, he has been a constant presence in Hollywood for the past 20 years, showcasing his talent in a variety of dramatic and comedic roles.
Over the years, Colin Farrell has received numerous nominations and awards, with his most recent significant win being a Golden Globe for his role in the tragicomedy The Banshees of Inisherin, where he struggles to comprehend why his best friend (Brendan Gleeson) no longer likes him.
Currently, Colin Farrell can be seen on our television screens as Oz Cobb in the HBO drama The Penguin. He has returned to this role following his acclaimed performance in Matt Reeve's 2022 film The Batman.
But what more do we know about Colin Farrell's life? From his early years and career breakthrough to his near miss with pop group Boyzone, we delve into his journey so far.
Early life and career breakthrough
Born and raised in Castleknock in Ireland, he was the son of Shamrock Rovers footballer Eamon Farrell and Rita Farrell. Colin Farrell was inspired to take up acting when he was moved to tears by Henry Thomas' performance in 1982 flick ET.
Colin previously attended the Gaiety School of Acting, but dropped out when he was cast as Danny Byrne in the BBC drama Ballykissangel and Falling for a Dancer.
His first feature film was The War Zone before he broke into Hollywood with appearances in Ordinary Decent Criminal, Tigerland and Steven Spielberg's Minority Report.
Farrell made a string of appearances as Bullseye in Daredevil, Alexander the Great in Alexander and starred alongside Jamie Foxx in Michael Mann's Miami Vice.
Colin Farrell turned to comedy and played rookie hitman in hiding in 2008 flick In Bruges, which bagged him a Golden Globe award. Recent roles include The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Widows and HBO drama True Detective.
The 48-year-old won further critical acclaim when he starred in tragicomedy The Banshees of Inisherin as he fails to understand why his best friend (Brendan Gleeson) doesn't like him anymore.
Colin Farrell's battle with drugs and drink addiction
Farrell has candidly discussed his past struggles with addiction, revealing a 16-year battle with drugs and alcohol. He described how his routine involved drinking with mates before returning home to indulge in heroin and marijuana.
After his rise to fame in the early 2000s, Farrell took steps to overcome his addictions, checking into a rehab clinic known for its mindfulness therapy. He appreciated the clinic's supportive atmosphere, which helped him focus on recovery.
"There was an energy that was created, a character that was created, that no doubt benefitted me," Farrell disclosed in an interview with Letterman, "And then there was a stage where it all began to crumble around me."
Sober since 2006, Farrell attributes his triumph over addiction to his son James.
Colin Farrell was almost in Boyzone
The Irish actor's life could have taken a completely different direction if he had succeeded in his audition for Boyzone back in the 90s. Louis Walsh, who was at the helm of the popular band from 1993 to 2000, divulged this tidbit while on Celebrity Big Brother.
Speaking on the show, Walsh recounted: "I know him [Farrell] very well as he auditioned for Boyzone and he told me he wanted to be an actor, I knew him from Dublin. I said 'you can't sing, I can't give you the gig' because I knew him very well. And he said to me 'oh I wanna be an actor' and I said 'You're wasting your f****** time.'".
Farrell himself has spoken about the infamously unsuccessful audition before. In a 2019 appearance on The Late Late Show, he told host Ryan Tubridy the story of how he was scouted by Walsh.
Farrell gave all the juicy details to Tubridy: "I was on the dance floor showing a bit a leg back in the day, I was on the dance floor of The Pod nightclub... and I went into the bar next door afterwards and I was told this fella wants to talk to you and it was Louis Walsh."
Walsh saw potential in Farrell for his new band, which he eagerly expressed even as Farrell stood out in his snug rubber top and leather trousers, saying, "He said, 'I'm getting this band together and it's gonna be great, and you'd be wonderful'. I was wearing a tight rubber t-shirt and leather pants, so I was ready to come on and impress."
When recalling the moment he performed George Michael's Careless Whisper, Farrell confessed to Tubridy that he "murdered it", leading to the hopeful inquiry: "They asked me, 'Could you do that again? '".
Colin Farrell once recounted an early career rejection that came straight from Louis Walsh himself, recalling the moment with a laugh, "I went home afterwards...and the phone rang and my mother said Louis Walsh was on the phone for me. It was at the bottom of the stairs so I took the phone and he went, 'Look, eh Colin listen, today eh you know, it's not really...it's not going to work, you know."
Colin Farrell's famous exes from Britney to Angelina Jolie
In his rise to fame, Farrell was linked with numerous A-list celebrities, including film icons Demi Moore and Angelina Jolie, as well as music superstar Elizabeth Taylor.
His romantic history also features relationships with Amelia Warner, Britney Spears, and model Nicole Narain.
Colin Farrell's children and family life
In 2003, Farrell welcomed his son James Padraig into the world with American model Kim Bordenave. James would later be diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a neurogenetic disorder characterized by developmental delays, speech and balance issues, mental disability, and occasional seizures, but also a joyful disposition with frequent smiling and laughter.
Inspired by his son, the award winning actor launched the Colin Farrell Foundation which aims to provide support, advocacy, and programs for adult children with intellectual and mental disabilities.
Farrell has shared insights into his family life with James, stating, "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."
"I mean, I can. 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' spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart."
In 2009, Colin fathered a second son, Henry Tadeusz, with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus. Henry was Colin's special guest at the glamorous 2023 Oscars event in Hollywood.
