Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell
Colin James Farrell at Miami Vice Premiere in 2006.jpg
Colin Farrell, at the premiere of Miami Vice (2006)
Born Colin James Farrell
May 31, 1976 (1976-05-31) (age 33)
Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland
Occupation Actor
Years active 1996-present
Spouse(s) Amelia Warner (2001) div.
Official website

Colin James Farrell (born May 31, 1976) is an Irish actor, who has appeared in several high-profile Hollywood films including Tigerland, Daredevil, Miami Vice, Minority Report, Phone Booth, Alexander and S.W.A.T.

Contents

Biography

Early life

Colin Farrell was born in Castleknock, Dublin, the son of Rita, a housewife, and Eamon Farrell, a footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers FC.[1][2] Farrell has three siblings: two sisters, Claudine (who is his personal assistant)[3] and Catherine; and a brother, Eamon Óg. Farrell was educated at St. Brigid's National School Castleknock followed by Castleknock College and Gormanston College. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was a promising young football player for Dublin team, Castleknock Celtic, as a goalkeeper and dated Angie Miller. Farrell auditioned for the Irish group Boyzone when he was still unknown, but was unsuccessful as he was tone-deaf.[4] Farrell attended The Gaiety School of Acting, but dropped out and was cast in the part of Danny Byrne on Ballykissangel, a BBC television drama. Farrell appeared on the show from 1998 to 1999.

Career

Farrell at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival

Farrell had a number of small parts in various television shows and films, including the BBC drama Ballykissangel in 1998 and also his role in Falling For A Dancer.[5] Then in 2000, he was cast in the lead role of Private Roland Bozz in Tigerland, an American film directed by Joel Schumacher. Farrell's next American films, American Outlaws (2001) and Hart's War (2002), were not commercially successful, but his 2003 films, including Phone Booth, S.W.A.T., and The Recruit were well-received box office successes. Although he has a pronounced Irish accent, Farrell uses an American accent in some of his films including American Outlaws and his breakthrough role, Tigerland. Farrell is also a proven supporting actor, given his performances as an ambitious cop who chases after a potential criminal, played by actor Tom Cruise in Minority Report (2002), and as the skilled villain Bullseye in Daredevil (2003).

In late 2003, Farrell starred as a criminal who plots a bank heist with Cillian Murphy in the comedy Intermission, which held the record as highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box office history until 2006.[6] In 2004, Farrell appeared in several independent films that received only a limited theatrical release in most countries, including A Home at the End of the World, which received some positive reviews.[7][8] Farrell appeared as a bisexual character in A Home at the End of the World.[9]

Farrell appeared in the title role of Alexander the Great in Oliver Stone's 2004 biopic Alexander, which, while receiving some favorable reviews internationally, received mostly mediocre and negative reviews in the United States.[10] It was marked by controversy for portraying the ancient conqueror as bisexual, and received criticism from some historians for its portrayal of the ancient Persians,[11] though others praised it for its accuracy in these regards as well.[12][13] The movie grossed a total of $167 million worldwide, despite its poor showing within the United States, just exceeding its budget of $155 million.[14]

His next film was 2005's Academy Award-nominated The New World, also a historical epic that was met with mixed reviews.[15] Farrell played the leading role of captain John Smith, the founder of 17th century colonial Jamestown, Virginia who falls in love with a beautiful Native American princess, Pocahontas, played by Q'Orianka Kilcher. The film achieved success, despite being released in only 811 theaters worldwide and having a relatively low box office gross.[16][17]

The New World was followed by Ask the Dust, a romance film set in period Los Angeles and co-starring Salma Hayek. It received a very limited theatrical release and was not a financial success.[18] 2006 brought more success in Farrell's career, as he appeared opposite Jamie Foxx in Michael Mann's action-crime film Miami Vice. The film was a box office success grossing a total of US $164 million worldwide.[19] Farrell was next seen in Woody Allen's Cassandra's Dream, which premiered in 2007 and was distributed in the U.S. in early 2008. Farrell's next film, Martin McDonagh's In Bruges, opened the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. Shortly thereafter he appeared Kicking It, a documentary following six homeless men from different countries as they attempt to qualify for the Homeless World Cup. Farrell appeared on screen and provided narration. The film released simultaneously in theaters and television, airing on ESPN2 with a very short window to DVD release. Farrell received positive press for his involvement in the heartwarming true-life tale, and enthusiastic reviews for the two dramatic roles that preceded it.

Personal life

Farrell married English actress Amelia Warner in July 2001 and divorced her four months later.

Farrell has a son, James (born September 12, 2003), with Canadian/American model Kim Bordenave, from whom he has since separated.[20] In October 2007, Farrell revealed that his son has Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterised by intellectual and developmental delay, speech impediment, sleep disturbance, seizures, hand flapping movements, and frequent laughter/smiling.[21]

In December 2005, Farrell voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation treatment center for addictions to recreational drugs and painkillers.[22] His publicist commented that Farrell had started taking painkillers due to a back injury. He was released in January 2006. In May 2006, Farrell started attending rehabilitation meetings.

He currently owns property near Phoenix Park in Dublin, but is living in a home he owns in Los Angeles to be near his son.

Sex tape

In July 2005, Farrell filed a lawsuit suing his former girlfriend, Playboy model Nicole Narain, the Internet Commerce Group (ICG) and adult entertainment producer David Hans Schmidt over the unauthorized public distribution of a 14-minute sex tape that Farrell made with Narain in 2003. Farrell claims he understood the tape as being "strictly private and confidential and will take legal court actions to anyone who tries to distribute it".[23] but it was leaked to Schmidt and ICG who tried to release it publicly. A Los Angeles judge issued an injunction barring the sale, distribution, or display of the tape.

Narain claimed that she did not give the tape to anyone and was not sure if or how copies were taken from her. She originally said that she would work with Farrell to ensure that it remained private, but Farrell said that Narain, along with Schmidt, was trying to release it in order to damage his career and "make money out of it", which Nicole denies.[24][25]

In January 2006, the tape surfaced on website named dirtycolin.com. The site was shut down on the same day because the server overloaded, but re-opened a week later. The tape was then pirated through file sharing systems. Both Farrell's and Narain's lawyers denounced the site, which was shut down again a few days later for unknown reasons. Farrell's legal team said it would take legal action against sites that hosted the tape. A trial date for the Narain lawsuit was set for July 17, 2006, but the judge allowed Farrell and Nicole to mediate until April 20. On April 16, the two reached a settlement with confidential terms. However, Farrell's lawsuit against ICG continued with a trial date set for July 21, 2006.[26]

Dessarae Bradford's accusations

Farrell has been sued twice for alleged harassment and sending foul messages to telephone sex worker Dessarae Bradford. The lawsuits were later dismissed due to a lack of evidence provided by Bradford.[27][28] Bradford, who has announced that she is "waging war on Colin Farrell",[29] has recorded a song entitled "Colin Farrell is My Bitch" and has self-published a book called Colin Farrell: A Dark Twisted Puppy.[30] Bradford had previously recorded a song and written a book in which she claimed to have engaged in pegging with actor Alec Baldwin.[31][32]

Bradford took a lie detector test on an i TV program in an attempt to support her claims and stories. She failed the test.[33]

On July 20, 2006, as Farrell was being interviewed by Jay Leno on the set of The Tonight Show, Bradford evaded security, walked on stage as cameras were rolling, confronted Farrell, and threw her book on Jay's desk. In front of a silent, stunned audience, Farrell escorted her off the stage himself, told the camera crew to stop filming, and handed her over to security. As Bradford was led out of the studio, she shouted "I'll see you in court." Farrell's response was, "Darling, you're insane!" Outside the studio, NBC security handed her off to Burbank police, who eventually released her. After Farrell apologized to the audience, describing Bradford as "my first stalker", the show then continued filming and the incident was edited out of the broadcast aired that night.[28] Farrell later requested a restraining order in court against Bradford. Farrell said Bradford "accosted me during the taping of a network television show on July 20, 2006. I am concerned that her harassing behaviour has escalated and may pose an immediate threat to my well-being and the well-being of my family." The request also asked for Bradford to keep away from Farrell, his son James and James' mother, Kim Bordenave.[34]

Celebrity status

Farrell was named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2003.[35] He was also voted 6th in the World's "Sexiest Man" contest by Company Magazine in that same year.[36]

In 2007, Farrell joined other celebrities including Bruce Willis, Muhammad Ali, Eva Mendes, Vanessa L. Williams and Arnold Schwarzenegger to become an official games spokesman for the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China.[37]

He also made a guest appearance on the US sit-com Scrubs as Billy, a charming Irishman who accompanies a man who he knocked out in a fight to the Sacred Heart Hospital. Due to a misunderstanding he is assumed to be the unconscious man's brother, however when Billy informs them of what he did he is arrested at the behest of JD and Turk.

Rescue of a homeless man in Toronto

At the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, Farrell made headlines[38] by helping a local homeless man, nicknamed "Stress". Farrell took the man into his limousine, gave him money for an apartment, took him on a $3000 (CAD) clothes-shopping spree and advised him to change his life by quitting alcohol. According to local news media,[39] one year later the man is clean, sober and living in his own apartment.

Selected filmography

Film

Year Title Role Other notes
1999 The War Zone Nick
2000 Ordinary Decent Criminal Alec
Tigerland Pvt. Roland Bozz
2001 American Outlaws Jesse James
2002 Hart's War Lt. Thomas W. Hart
2002 Minority Report Danny Witwer Loosely based on the short story The Minority Report (1956) by Philip K. Dick.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Phone Booth Stu Shepard Theatrical release was delayed due to the Beltway sniper attacks in October 2002.[40]
2003 The Recruit James Douglas Clayton
Daredevil Bullseye
Veronica Guerin Tattooed Boy Cameo
Based on true story of Irish journalist Veronica Guerin
S.W.A.T. Jim Street Based on the 1970s television series S.W.A.T..
Intermission Lehiff
2004 A Home at the End of the World Bobby Morrow (1982) Based on the novel A Home at the End of the World (1990) by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham.
Alexander Alexander the Great Directed by Oliver Stone.
2005 The New World Captain John Smith
2006 Ask the Dust Arturo Bandini Based on the novel Ask the Dust (1939) by John Fante.
Miami Vice Det. James "Sonny" Crockett Based on the 1980s television series Miami Vice.
2007 Cassandra's Dream Terry Directed by Woody Allen.
2008 In Bruges Ray Debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008.[41]
Kicking It Narrator (Himself) Documentary
Pride and Glory Jimmy Egan
2009 The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Tony Post-production
Cast alongside Johnny Depp and Jude Law after the death of Heath Ledger to play different portrayals Ledger's character.[42]
Triage Mark Walsh Based on the novel Triage by American veteran war correspondent Scott Anderson
Will be directed by Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning Bosnian director Danis Tanović.[6]

Television

Year Title Role Other notes
1998–1999 Ballykissangel Danny Byrne
2005 Scrubs Billy Callahan Season 4, episode 14: "My Lucky Charm"

Awards and nominations

Wins

Nominations

References

  1. ↑ Colin Farrell Biography (1976-)
  2. ↑ Colin Farrell: People.com
  3. ↑ "Hellomagazine.com". COLIN FARRELL SHOWS HIS BROTHERLY LOVE AT "VICE" PREMIERE. Retrieved on 2006-07-28.
  4. ↑ "Visimag.com". Movie Idols: We look at the exploding film career of Colin Farrell.
  5. ↑ Colin Farrell Biography & Filmography
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Loach Film Sets New Money Mark", RTE.ie, August 8 2006. Retrieved on July 18 2007.
  7. ↑ "Everyonesacritic.com". A Home At The End Of The World Critic Reviews. Retrieved on 2004-09-21.
  8. ↑ "Thenumbers". A Home At The End Of The World: Total Gross Revenues. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  9. ↑ "Contactmusic.com". Farrell Credits Gay Brother for Performance. Retrieved on 2005-03-01.
  10. ↑ "Metacritic.com". Alexander Critic Reviews.
  11. ↑ "Hellenicnationalist.blogspot.com". Dr. Kaveh Farrakh - The Alexander Movie: How are Iranians and Greeks portrayed?. Retrieved on 2004-12-09.
  12. ↑ http://myweb.unomaha.edu/~mreames/Beyond_Renault/review2.html Reames, Jean. "Fire Bringer - Oliver Stone's Alexander"
  13. ↑ http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid14881.asp Goodridge, Mike. "Why Alexander Won't Meet Oscar," January 24, 2005, in Advocate.com
  14. ↑ "Boxoffice.com". Alexander Box Office Gross.
  15. ↑ "Boxofficemojo.com". The New World Box Office Gross.
  16. ↑ "Yahoo!Movies.com". The New World Critics Rewiews.
  17. ↑ "Movies.yahoo.com". The New World: Awards and Nominations.
  18. ↑ "Thenumbers.com". Ask The Dusk Total Grosses Revenues. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  19. ↑ "Boxofficemojo.com". Miami Vice Box Office Revenues.
  20. ↑ "Teenhollywood.com". Colin Farrell Banned From His Own House. Retrieved on 2003-07-28.
  21. ↑ Superstar Colin tells of 'blessed' life with special needs child - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie
  22. ↑ "Quepasa.com". Colin Farrell Admitted In Rehab Center Due To Overdose. Retrieved on 2005-12-13.
  23. ↑ "Kdkaentertainment". Farrell Sex Tape Web Site Shuts Down. Retrieved on 2006-01-11.
  24. ↑ "Kdka.com". Colin Farrell Settles Sex Tape Fight. Retrieved on 2006-04-19.
  25. ↑ "Bravenet.com". Trial Date Set For Farrell Sextape Suit. Retrieved on 2005-01-20.
  26. ↑ "New York Daily News". Colin and ex-Playmate settle tale of the sex tape. Retrieved on 2006-07-18.
  27. ↑ "Jossip". Colin Farrell sued by phone sex operator for X-rated text messages. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "AccessHollywood". Update: Colin Farrell Confronted On 'Tonight Show' Stage. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  29. ↑ "Jossip". Dessarae Bradford. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  30. ↑ "BlessedAdventurePub". Colin Farrell: A Dark Twisted Puppy. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  31. ↑ Stuart Heritage. "Heclerspray.com". Colin Farrell Gets His Stalky Restraining Order. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.
  32. ↑ Dessarae Bradford. "Blessedadventurepub.com". I Fucked Alec Baldwin In His Ass.
  33. ↑ "www.monstersandcritics.com". Farrell Accuser Fails Lie Detector Test. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  34. ↑ "TMZ.com". Farrell Files for Restraining Order. Retrieved on 2006-07-24.
  35. ↑ "CBS News Entertainment". The Most Beautiful People Are Back. Retrieved on 2003-04-30.
  36. ↑ "Company's 100 Sexiest Men". Company Magazine's 100 Sexiest Men of 2003. Retrieved on 2004-08-02.
  37. ↑ "Eircom.net". Farrell, The Reformed Man, Is On His Marks. Retrieved on 2006-10-14.
  38. ↑ http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/FilmFest/article/256457
  39. ↑ http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/08/31/6620391-sun.html
  40. ↑ "'Phone' release delayed" (2002-10-18). Retrieved on 2008-11-11. The Associated Press
  41. ↑ "World Premiere of Martin McDonagh's In Bruges to Open 2008 Sundance Film Festival" (2007-11-19). Retrieved on 2008-11-11. Sundance Film Festival
  42. ↑ Dawtrey, Adam (2008-03-10). "Shooting resumes on 'Parnassus'". Retrieved on 2008-11-11. [[Variety (magazine)|]]

External links

Persondata
NAME Farrell, Colin James
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION Irish actor
DATE OF BIRTH May 31, 1976
PLACE OF BIRTH Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH