14 Interesting Facts About Colin Farrell

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Colin Farrell?

Known for his incredible acting prowess and a devilish sense of humor, Colin Farrell is like a walking Irish legend, weaving tales of excitement and adventure with every role he takes on.

From riot comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, Colin easily transforms into a chameleon of the silver screen.

His talent is without limits, diving headfirst into any role with a fearless spirit that keeps his viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what delightful surprise he’ll deliver next.

Related Read: 9 Most Famous Irish Actors In Hollywood

Born Colin James Farrell on the 31st of May, 1976, in the Castleknock suburb of Dublin, Farrell went on to become a prominent figure in both blockbuster and independent films. His captivating performances have earned him numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award nomination.

Read on to find out more interesting facts about Colin Farrell.

14 Interesting Facts About Colin Farrell

Related Read:

• Famous Irish Actors Who Made It In Hollywood
• Famous Irish Actresses Who Made It In Hollywood 

1. Colin Farrell initially wanted to become a football player

Colin Farrell’s father, Eamon, is a former football player for an Irish football club – the Shamrock Rovers FC. Tommy Farrell, his uncle, was also a player for the same football club. They played back in the 1960s.

Eamon Farrell contributed to the success of the club’s victorious 1962 FAI Cup-winning team. On the other hand, Uncle Tommy achieved the remarkable feat of securing both the League and Cup titles in 1964, further solidifying the Farrell family’s legacy within the club’s history.

Colin Farrell revealed in an interview that he had initially aspired to follow his father and uncle’s footsteps. Later on, he came to the realization that he wanted to pursue a “less meaningful” path, such as acting.

2. Colin Farrell almost became a member of the Irish boy band Boyzone

In 1993, Colin Farrell was discovered by X Factor mogul Louis Walsh while dancing at a nightclub. Impressed by Farrell’s talent, Walsh invited him to attend the open auditions for the band.

Out of the numerous Irish lads who auditioned to join the boyband initially formed by Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, and Keith Duffy, Colin Farrell was among the contenders.

Farrell was informed by Walsh that the opportunity to join Boyzone was not really open but rather a mere formality arranged for the press to get some photographs.

3. He was arrested for a crime he did not commit

As a teenager residing in Sydney, Australia, he found himself wrongly accused of attempted murder.

Fortunately, he had a solid alibi at the time of the incident, stating that he was under the influence of ecstasy and located on the opposite side of the city.

4. Colin Farrell eats free at an Irish fast-food chain

Colin Farrell has openly professed his love for the renowned Irish fast-food chain, Abrakebabra.

He proudly claims the exclusive privilege of being the sole bearer of Abrakebabra’s elusive “black card,” which grants him and whoever dines with him the luxury of free meals.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, the actor enthusiastically shared his fondness for Abrakebabra, revealing that he makes it a point to visit the restaurant every time he returns to his native Ireland.

5. He is a notorious chainsmoker

Colin Farrell has gained a reputation for his heavy smoking habit, which became evident during the filming of the movie Phone Booth. Witnesses among the cast and crew were astounded to see him consume a remarkable six packs of cigarettes daily.

Despite his sincere attempts, Farrell has been unable to break free from this addiction, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most notable smokers.

6. Colin Farrell is an aerophobic

Aerophobia, also known as the fear of flying, is something that Colin Farrell grapples with. This particular phobia induces severe anxiety in him whenever he has to board an airplane, often resulting in his avoidance of air travel altogether.

Nevertheless, despite this fear, Farrell has successfully navigated the globe for his acting endeavors by relying on alternative modes of transportation, such as cars, boats, and trains.

7. His favorite actor is Al Pacino

Colin Farrell has been a fan of Al Pacino since his formative years, admiring the Italian-American actor as one of his childhood role models.

The opportunity for him to collaborate with his idol came in the film The Recruit (2003). Farrell characterizes this experience as “intimidating” to act alongside a legendary figure.

Despite the initial nerves, he fondly recalls Pacino as one of the most compassionate individuals he has encountered, and they continue to maintain a close friendship, often spending time together.

Al Pacino has dubbed Farrell as the best actor of his generation.

8. He was cast to portray Bruce Wayne aka Batman

In 2001, Colin Farrell was selected to portray the iconic character of Bruce Wayne/Batman in a highly anticipated Batman vs Superman movie. The film also starred Jude Law as Superman. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, it unfortunately never came to fruition.

9. Colin Farrell has had a stalker

During an interview with Jay Leno on his show, on July 20, 2006, a phone sex worker named Dessarae Bradford managed to bypass security and approached Colin Farrell on stage.

In a dramatic gesture, she threw a book-length exposé about Farrell, which she had self-published, onto Leno’s desk.

Acting swiftly, Farrell escorted Bradford off the stage and handed her over to NBC security.

In the midst of the commotion, Bradford shouted defiantly, declaring that she would take him to court. However, she failed to provide any substantial evidence, leading Farrell to obtain a restraining order against her.

The incident, deemed inappropriate for broadcast, was subsequently edited out of the show and never aired.

10. Colin Farrell has two children

The Irish actor is a father to two children. His older son with model Kim Bordenave is James Padraig Farrell, born in 2003. His younger son – with his co-star from the movie Ondine, Alicja Bachleda-Curús – is Henry Tadeusz Farrell, born in 2009.

11. His older son has a rare genetic disorder

Colin Farrell’s son James has been diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by delayed development, challenges in speech and balance, intellectual disability, and occasionally, seizures.

Individuals with Angelman syndrome commonly exhibit frequent smiles and laughter, along with happy and enthusiastic personalities.

12. Contrary to some belief, he has never been married

In 2001, Farrell was in a relationship with Amelia Warner, and there were reports suggesting that they got married. However, the two have already clarified that the ceremony they had was not a legally binding marriage ceremony.

It was a symbolic celebration on a beach in Tahiti while on vacation. Alongside their commitment ceremony, they also booked shark feeding as an additional activity.

13. Colin Farrell refrains from watching his own films

Colin Farrell has gained a reputation for his strong aversion to watching his own movies, going to great lengths to avoid the nerve-wracking experience.

He openly admits that it induces feelings of anxiety and discomfort, leading him to steer clear of the cinema during his film releases.

In fact, he has taken the unusual step of requesting friends and family not to view his movies, allowing him to remain oblivious to their reception.

14. Colin Farrell has been dealing with chronic insomnia since he was 12

The Irish actor has been open about his struggles with insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep.

While specific details about Colin Farrell’s insomnia are not widely known, he has mentioned it in interviews and shared his experiences with sleep deprivation.