
Glen Hansard, the Irish musician and actor who won an Oscar for the song "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once," has died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin. He was 56.
Hansard's management confirmed his death in a statement to several media outlets, including the Irish Times and RTÉ. "With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard," the statement read. The accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, around 4:30 AM local time, according to the Irish police.
Hansard was born in Dublin in 1970 and began his career as a street musician. He gained fame as the frontman of the Irish rock band The Frames, which he founded in 1990. He also starred in the film "The Commitments" in 1991, playing the role of Outspan Foster.
In 2008, Hansard won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly," which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová for the film "Once." The film, in which Hansard also starred, tells the story of two street musicians in Dublin.
Hansard's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his condolences, calling Hansard a "talented musician and actor" who made a "significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape over many years."
The Irish police have confirmed that the accident involved only one vehicle and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Hansard is survived by his partner, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son Christy.
Hansard's career spanned several decades, during which he released multiple solo albums and collaborated with numerous artists. His most recent album, "All That Was East Is West of Me Now," was released in 2023.
Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to pay tribute to Hansard, remembering him for his music, his roles in films, and his work helping the homeless in Ireland.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and has expressed their gratitude to the emergency services who attended the scene of the accident.
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