Colin Farrell! Facts you need to know about the Irish actor

Colin Farrell, a proud native of Dublin, is one of the biggest Irish names in film, but we bet you might not know these facts.

Farrell is one of Ireland's biggest stars in Hollywood and abroad and is generating serious Oscar buzz for his lead role in "The Banshees of Inisherin."

The Dublin actor's performance in Martin McDonagh's brilliant new film has already earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a musical or comedy - the second of his career - and he could now become the first Irish actor since Daniel Day-Lewis to win an Oscar. 

Farrell's film presence has been filled with memorable roles but here are seven things you might not know about the beloved Dublin star.

Was Colin Farrell in a boyband?!

Colin Farrell once tried out for Irish boy band Boyzone but, perhaps, fortunately, never got the job.

A very young looking Keith Duffy, former Boyzone member, and Colin Farrell.

Colin Farrell most likely supports the Shamrock Rovers soccer team in Ireland

Colin's dad Eamon and uncle Tommy were well-known semi-professional soccer players with the famed Shamrock Rovers team based in Tallaght, South Dublin.

Shamrock Rovers supporters (Getty Images)

Colin Farrell has never been married ... or has he?

Farrell met English actress and singer Amelia Warner at the premiere of the movie “Quills”, in 2000. They dated from July to November 2001. There was speculation that they married. Speaking about the experience, the actor commented "Too fast, too young."

However, in December 2011, Warner told The Sun that the marriage was never legal. "We had a ceremony on a beach in Tahiti that was by no means legal and we knew it wasn't, said Warner.

“It was just a thing we did on holiday. We went shark feeding and then we did that. We booked them both on the activities desk at the hotel.”

Farrell has a tattoo of Amelia's name around his ring finger.

Colin Farrell and Amelia Warner in 2000 (Getty Images)

Colin Farrell is a ladies man!

Always a ladies man, Farrell has been linked to some beautiful women. Among them are Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Demi Moore, model Josie Maran (who he accused of making a sex tape), and Playboy cover girl Nicole Narain.

Britney Spears and Colin Farrell in 2003 (Getty Images)

Colin Farrell is proper Irish

Colin, a proud Irishman, is not a fan of green beer and shamrockery around St. Patrick's Day. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Farrell said he had "never heard of green beer before he came to America.”

The actor laughed “Who wants to drink green beer?”

Colin Farrell has had a stalker

On July 20, 2006, as Farrell was being interviewed by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show," telephone sex worker Dessarae Bradford evaded security, walked on stage, confronted Farrell, and threw a self-published book-length exposé of Farrell on Leno's desk.

As Farrell escorted her off the stage and handed her over to NBC security, she shouted "I'll see you in court!" She never produced an ounce of evidence. Farrell obtained a restraining order against her.

The incident was edited out of the show and never aired.

Colin Farrell with Jay Leno in 2003 (Getty Images)

Colin Farrell is a huge fan of this Irish fast-food chain

Colin Farrell has expressed his love for Irish fast-food chain Abrakebabra, explaining that he is the only holder of the restaurant's "black card", which entitles him and anyone dining with him to free food. 

The actor once told Jimmy Kimmel that he visits the restaurant whenever he returns to Ireland. 

What's your favorite Colin Farrell movie? Let us know in the comments!

* Originally published in 2018. Updated in January 2023.