| Full Name | Colin James Farrell |
| Age | 46 years |
| Birthday | May 31, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Height | 5‘ 10" |
| Net Worth | $80 million |
| Social Profiles | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Colin Farrell is a Golden Globe-winning Irish actor acclaimed in 2020 by The Irish Times for his "mix of brooding good looks and dangerous charm." With his trademark thick Irish brogue, expressive eyebrows and soul-piercing blue eyes, Farrell has captivated audiences in big-budget blockbusters and art house films for over two decades.
Early Life and Career Beginnings in Ireland
Born on May 31, 1976 in the suburb of Castleknock near Dublin, Colin James Farrell was raised in a working class community as the son of professional soccer player Eamon Farrell. He became drawn to performing as a student at St. Brigid‘s National School and showed a rebellious, prankster side, occasionally getting into trouble. Farrell attended secondary school at Castleknock College where he first took up acting, landing a small part in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire.
After graduating in 1994, Farrell auditioned for the Irish boyband Boyzone but was turned down. He went on to study acting at the Gaiety School of Drama in Dublin, honing his craft on stage in productions like A Little Piece of Heaven and Buffalo Bill Has Gone Equestrian. Upon finishing his studies in 1998, Farrell kicked off his on-screen career with roles in shows like Ballykissangel and his first feature film, The War Zone.
Rise to Stardom in Hollywood
Farrell achieved breakthrough success in Hollywood with his performance as a young soldier in Joel Schumacher’s Tigerland in 2000. With his alluring bad boy persona, he went on to star in a string of big budget thrillers and romantic comedies throughout the early 2000s. Hits like Minority Report, S.W.A.T., The Recruit, Phone Booth and Alexander propelled him to heartthrob status.
During these years, Farrell also developed an infamous reputation as a Hollywood playboy, making tabloid headlines for his hard-partying lifestyle and high-profile relationships with stars like Britney Spears, model Kim Bordenave and actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś. But his acting talent was undeniable and he continued landing coveted roles.
Evolution into a Versatile, Acclaimed Actor
In the late 2000s, Farrell began taking on more nuanced, character-driven parts that showed off his impressive range. His hilarious performance as a bumbling hitman in 2008’s In Bruges earned him a Golden Globe. He went on to star in indie films like Cassandra‘s Dream, Ondine and Crazy Heart, surprising critics with his ability to disappear into diverse roles.
Farrell has seamlessly bounced between big budget features like Horrible Bosses, Total Recall and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and critically praised indies like Seven Psychopaths, The Lobster and Yorgos Lanthimos’ unsettling The Killing of a Sacred Deer, for which he won Best Actor at Cannes in 2017.
In recent years, he has continued wowing audiences in projects like The Gentlemen, Artemis Fowl, After Yang and The Banshees of Inisherin, proving himself one of the most versatile, in-demand stars today.
Charity Work and Activism
Off-screen, Farrell has been outspoken in advocating for causes close to his heart. He founded the charity Kellie’s Kids Foundation to provide aid for disadvantaged youth and has been involved with organizations supporting autism awareness, relief for homeless children and more. The dedicated activist also campaigned to legalize same-sex marriage in Ireland ahead of the 2015 referendum.
Personal Life as a Father of Two
Farrell has two sons – James Padraig Farrell, born in 2003 to model Kim Bordenave, and Henry Tadeusz Farrell, born in 2009 to actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his co-star in Ondine. Though no longer romantically linked, he co-parents closely with both women.
When not filming, he enjoys spending time with his boys back home in Ireland, leading a quiet life focused on family. Farrell has been sober since 2005 after struggling early in his career with substance abuse issues.
Why Fans Love Colin Farrell
What makes Farrell so special that his devoted fans just can‘t get enough? Here are some of the reasons we can‘t take our eyes off this Irish charmer:
- His Gaelic brogue – That unmistakable Irish lilt immediately grabs your attention. Farrell slips seamlessly between his natural brogue and American accents.
- His soulful acting – He pours his heart into every role with incredible emotional depth and vulnerability that deeply affects viewers.
- His leading man looks – With his close-cropped brown hair, arched brows and piercing eyes, Farrell smolders on screen. Even as he‘s aged, his handsome looks endure.
- His edgy intensity – Whether playing an action hero or poetic philosopher, Farrell brings an electric, unpredictable edge to each character.
- His comic chops – Farrell can deliver absurd one-liners or bumble hilariously through awkward moments as adeptly as any comedian.
- His eternal rebellion – He maintains a refreshing irreverence and youthful rebelliousness both on and off-screen.
For his legions of fans, Farrell’s mix of sex appeal, sensitivity, charisma and talent is irresistible. They can’t wait to see what layered, moving characters he‘ll bring to life next.