Farrell, Colin James (1976- )

Irish actor. Known for his intense screen presence, he began making films in the late 1990s and became one of the most sought-after young stars of the early 21st century. He achieved success in the UK and Ireland in the Irish television series Ballykissangel (1996-97). His portrayal of ‘Bozz’, a rebellious Texan army recruit, in Tigerland (2000) established his reputation in the USA despite the film's lack of box office success. This was followed by American Outlaws (2001), Phone Booth (2002), Hart's War (2002), Minority Report (2002), The Recruit (2003), Daredevil (2003), and Alexander (2004).

Farrell was born in Castleknock, in Dublin, Ireland. He is the son of footballer Eamon Farrell and the nephew of footballer Terry Farrell, both of whom played for the Irish football club Shamrock Rovers during the 1960s. He was poised to follow them into a career in football when he began to take acting classes at the Gaiety Drama School in Dublin. He appeared in the mini-series Falling for a Dancer (1998) and Love in the 21st Century (1999) and on stage in the play In A Little World of Our Own at the Donmar Warehouse in London, England. His first film role was in Drinking Crude (1997), and other films include The War Zone (1999) and Ordinary Decent Criminals (2000).