‘Once’ Star Glen Hansard Dead at 56

Glen Hansard performs ‘Falling Slowly’ from the film ‘Once’ nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, during the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Credit/Provider: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

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Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56.
He was best known as the frontman of Irish rock band The Frames, as one half of folk duo The Swell Season, and for his starring role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Once.’
Hansard became one of Ireland’s most respected musical voices.

Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish musician, songwriter, and actor whose deeply personal songs resonated with audiences around the world and in Oscar-winning musical ‘Once,’ has tragically died in a motorcycle crash at the age of 56.

“How often do you find the right person?”

Release Date: Jun 15, 2007

Run Time: 1 hr 25 min

Budget: $160,000

Hansard’s management company confirmed his passing in a statement:

“With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin. Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.

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Glen Hansard: Early Life and Career

(L to R) Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova performing their nominated song, ‘Falling Slowly’, during rehearsals for the 80th Academy Awards in the Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2008, Credit/Provider: Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Born on April 21, 1970, in Dublin, Ireland, Hansard left school as a teenager to pursue music. He formed The Frames in 1990, helping establish the band as one of Ireland’s most acclaimed rock acts through relentless touring and critically praised albums.

His acting breakthrough came in 2007 with writer/director John Carney’s ‘Once’, in which he starred opposite Markéta Irglová.

Glen Hansard: Music and Film

(L to R) Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard accept the Academy Award for Best Original Song from John Travolta during the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Credit/Provider: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

‘Once’ became an international phenomenon, with Hansard and Irglová winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly.” The film later inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, introducing Hansard’s music to an even wider audience.

Beyond ‘Once’, Hansard released several acclaimed solo albums while continuing to perform with The Frames and The Swell Season. Known for emotionally charged concerts and poetic songwriting, he collaborated with artists across folk, rock, and indie music, earning a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest contemporary musicians.

Glen Hansard: Offstage

Glen Hansard in ‘Once’. Photo: Buena Vista International.

Away from the spotlight, Hansard was admired for his humility, outspoken support of humanitarian causes, and dedication to mentoring emerging artists. Whether performing in intimate venues or on the world’s biggest stages, he brought honesty and passion to every note.

Glen Hansard leaves behind a remarkable legacy of music and film that touched audiences across generations. His songs –– filled with hope, heartbreak, and resilience –– will continue to inspire listeners for years to come.

Glen Hansard performs “Falling Slowly” from the film ‘Once’ nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, during the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Credit/Provider: Darren Decker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.