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NewsKPBS Public MediaJuly 29, 2026San Diego

Glen Hansard, Irish Songwriter and 'Once' Star, Dies at 56

Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard, known for his work with the bands The Frames and The Swell Season and his Oscar-winning role in the film 'Once', has died at age 56. He passed away following a motorcycle accident in Dublin.

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Why It Matters

The death of a prominent international musician and Academy Award winner marks the end of a multi-decade career that influenced Irish rock and musical theater.

Key Facts

  • Glen Hansard died at age 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin.
  • Hansard won an Academy Award in 2008 for the song 'Falling Slowly' from the film 'Once'.
  • He won a Grammy Award for the Broadway musical adaptation of 'Once'.
  • Hansard dropped out of school at age 13 to pursue a career as a busker.
  • He formed the band The Frames in 1990.
  • He appeared in the 1991 film 'The Commitments'.
  • The album 'For the Birds' was released independently in 2001.
  • The Swell Season released the album 'Strict Joy' in 2009.
  • The album 'Didn't He Ramble' (2015) received a Grammy nomination for best folk album.
  • Hansard and Irglová released the album 'Forward' in 2025.
  • Hansard released two live albums titled 'Don't Settle' in 2025.

Who's Mentioned

organizationThe Frames“Band formed by Hansard in 1990.”organizationThe Swell Season“Band formed by Hansard and Irglová.”locationDublin“Location of the motorcycle crash.”organizationNPR“Media outlet that received the official statement.”personGlen Hansard“The subject of the article, a musician and actor who passed away.”personMarkéta Irglová“Collaborator and co-star in the film 'Once' and the band The Swell Season.”