Oscar winning Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard dies aged 56 following motorcycle crash

Published on 29/07/2026 - 14:28 GMT+2

Beloved Irish singer and actor Glen Hansard has died aged 56, following a motorcycle crash in Dublin.

The crash occurred in Lucan during the early hours of this morning. The incident was reportedly a single-vehicle collision.

Born in Ballymun, Dublin, on 21 April 1970, Hansard started out as a busker on the streets of Dublin before becoming the frontman of the rock band The Frames, best known for their seminal 2004 album ‘Burn The Maps’.

His five solo albums - the most recent of which was 2023’s ‘All That Was East Is West of Me Now’ - also earned him great acclaim, especially his 2016 LP 'Didn't He Ramble', which nabbed him a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.

Hansard memorably starred in the Irish romantic music drama Once (2007), which earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the heartbreaking ballad ‘Falling Slowly’. That track was co-written with the co-star of the film Markéta Irglová, with whom Hansard also played with in the band The Swell Season.

He had previously made a name for himself as an actor for his portrayal of Outspan Foster in the 1991 BAFTA-winning film The Commitments.

In a statement, ATC Management, which represented Hansard, said: "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. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene."

Fans online have been posting tributes for the artist, remembering him for his music, the film Once, as well as his work helping the homeless in Ireland.

Hansard is survived by his partner, poet Maire Saaritsa, and his three-year-old boy Christy.

RIP Glen Hansard 1970 - 2026