Glen Hansard, Irish Musician and ‘Once’ Star Who Won Oscar for Best Song, Dies at 56

Glen Hansard, the Irish musician who starred in the 2007 film “Once” and won the best original song Oscar for “Falling Slowly,” died on Wednesday in a motorcycle crash. He was 56.

According to the BBC, Hansard was killed in a single-vehicle crash in his home city of Dublin on Wednesday. The accident was reported to emergency services around 4:30 a.m. and police are now calling for witnesses.

Related Stories

TIFF 2026 Announces Special Presentations Program Additions Featuring Margaret Qualley, Cate Blanchett and Mahershala Ali

Jodie Whittaker Joins Ellen Pompeo in Hulu Dramedy Pilot 'Chicks'

Hansard was best known as the frontman of Irish rock band The Frames and for starring in the 2007 low-budget musical drama “Once” alongside Czech singer Markéta Irglová. The critically acclaimed film, written and directed by John Carney, follows two struggling musicians in Dublin who fall in love. Hansard and Irglová had previously performed together as the folk band Swell Season, and composed and performed all of the movie’s original music. The film’s breakout duet, “Falling Slowly,” won them the Oscar for best original song at the 80th Academy Awards.

Born and raised in Dublin, Hansard quit school at 13 to begin busking and formed The Frames in 1990. The next year, he gained international attention as guitarist Outspan Foster in the BAFTA-winning musical film “The Commitments,” which follows a young musician in North Dublin who assembles a soul band of working-class kids. Hansard focused on recording music with The Frames — releasing seven albums between 1991 and 2006 — until starring in 2007’s “Once,” which further raised his profile.

As a solo artist, he toured with Eddie Vedder in 2011 and released his first solo studio album, “Rhythm and Repose,” in 2012. His next album, 2015’s “Didn’t He Ramble,” earned a Grammy nomination for best folk album.

Hansard is survived by his partner, the poet Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son.