Glen Hansard, the Irish musician and actor known for his Oscar- and Tony-winning work on Once, has died aged 56 in a motorcycle accident. His death marks the loss of a celebrated artist whose career spanned street busking, band leadership, and acclaimed musical theatre.

Glen Hansard, a multi-talented vocalist, guitarist, composer and actor, died in a motorcycle accident aged 56. Hansard first gained attention busking on the streets of Dublin before forming the Irish band The Frames in 1990. He led the group through numerous studio albums and live recordings over three decades.

Hansard appeared as Outspan Foster in the 1991 film adaptation of The Commitments and later partnered with Czech musician Markéta Irglová to form The Swell Season. The duo starred in the 2007 independent film Once, whose soundtrack featured the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly”.

Following the film’s success, Hansard and Irglová adapted Once into a stage musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2012. The production was notable for its cast who played their own instruments on stage, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, and earning a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

Alongside his theatre work, Hansard pursued a solo recording career from 2012, releasing albums such as Rhythm and Repose, Didn’t He Ramble, This Wild Willing, and All That Was East Is West of Me Now. He toured internationally as a solo artist and frequently collaborated with other musicians.

Hansard’s artistic trajectory—from Dublin busker to Oscar-winning songwriter and Tony Award-winning composer—reflects a rare blend of street-level authenticity and critical acclaim. His achievements on stage and screen helped widen the scope of musical theatre and contemporary folk music.

With his passing, the music and theatre communities lose a distinctive voice who bridged popular song and dramatic storytelling over a career spanning more than three decades.