Oscar-winning musician and actor Glen Hansard dies at 56

Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard, best known for starring in “Once” and co-writing its Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly”, has died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin. He was 56. 

Hansard died in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident on Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan, in the early hours of July 29. Emergency services responded to the scene at around 4:30am, but the acclaimed singer-songwriter was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by Irish authorities. 

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

His death was confirmed by his management company, ATC Management, which said in a statement: “Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene. As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time.” 

Hansard rose to international prominence with “Once” (2007), in which he starred opposite Markéta Irglová. The pair won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly”, while the film later inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical of the same name. He was also the frontman of Irish rock band The Frames and one half of the folk duo The Swell Season. 

Tributes poured in following the news of his death. Bruce Springsteen described Hansard as a “great musician” and a “gracious man”, while Bono remembered him as “a choir of angels in one man”. Beyond his music, Hansard was widely recognised for his charitable work, including his annual Christmas Eve busking event in Dublin, which raised millions of euros for homelessness charities. 

Hansard is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa, and their young son.