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Glen Hansard, Irish Singer-Songwriter and Once Star, Dies at 56
Glen Hansard, the Irish singer-songwriter who fronted the Frames and co-starred in the 2007 film Once, has died at the age of 56 following injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in Dublin. His death was confirmed by his management, and Ireland's prime minister Micheál Martin paid tribute to him as a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to the country's cultural life over many decades.
Born in Dublin in 1970, Hansard rose from busking on the streets to founding the Frames in 1990 and later the folk duo the Swell Season with Markéta Irglová. Their music underpinned Once, a low-budget romantic drama in which the pair starred, and its song "Falling Slowly" won them an Academy Award for Best Original Song as well as Grammy nominations; the film was later adapted into a Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
In short
- Glen Hansard, Once star and Frames frontman, has died aged 56
- Died from injuries in a Dublin motorcycle crash
- Won an Oscar with Markéta Irglová for "Falling Slowly"
Explained simply
Glen Hansard was an Irish singer-songwriter and actor best known for fronting the folk band the Frames and for starring in the 2007 film Once. Beginning his career as a busker on Dublin's streets, he became an internationally recognised musician and performer.
His most significant achievement came through Once, a low-budget independent film in which he starred and helped create the music with collaborator Markéta Irglová. The film's score, particularly "Falling Slowly", won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy nomination, whilst the film itself was adapted into a Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Beyond Once, Hansard built a substantial career with the Frames and other projects, establishing himself as a respected and influential figure in Irish music and culture. His work across multiple decades and genres made him an important voice in contemporary folk and alternative music.