Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin early on Wednesday. He was 56 years old, as confirmed by his management, ATC Management, in a statement released to CBS News.
Irish police reported that a man in his 50s was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in Lucan, on the outskirts of Dublin, before 4:30 a.m. He received treatment at the scene but was declared dead shortly afterward. Authorities have requested any witnesses to the crash to come forward.
Born in Dublin in 1970, Hansard began his career as a busker in the city. He made his acting debut in the 1991 film “The Commitments,” where he portrayed Outspan Foster, a young band member in Dublin. Hansard also co-wrote and starred in the 2007 indie musical film “Once” with Markéta Irglová. They won the 2008 Oscar for Best Original Song with “Falling Slowly.” The film’s stage adaptation enjoyed success on Broadway from 2012 to 2015, receiving eight Tony Awards.
Away from film, Hansard was the long-serving frontman of the rock band The Frames and also performed as part of the rock duo The Swell Season with Irglová. He released five solo albums, including “Didn’t He Ramble,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016.
Hansard appeared frequently on CBS Saturday Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions.” In 2015, he highlighted “Didn’t He Ramble,” and performed selections from his solo albums in 2018 and 2024. In August 2025, Hansard and Irglová released songs from “Forward,” the first Swell Season album in 16 years.
Hansard also performed at the 2023 funeral of The Pogues’ frontman Shane MacGowan, alongside singer Lisa O’Neill. He was known for leading the Christmas Eve charity busks outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, which supported the Dublin Simon Community in their fight against homelessness. The organization expressed deep sorrow at his passing, acknowledging his generous support.
Hansard is survived by his wife and their 3-year-old son. In a 2023 interview, Hansard shared that becoming a father had profoundly changed his life.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his grief, stating that Glen Hansard was a talented musician and actor who significantly contributed to Ireland’s cultural legacy. Martin offered his condolences to Hansard’s family, friends, and fans.