Once star and composer Glen Hansard has died aged 56

Oscar and Tony winner Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle accident.

Hansard began his career busking on the streets of Dublin before establishing himself as a vocalist, guitarist, composer, and actor.

In 1990, he formed the Irish band The Frames, leading the group through the release of multiple studio albums and live recordings over three decades.

In 1991, Hansard appeared as Outspan Foster in the film adaptation of The Commitments. He later collaborated with Czech musician Markéta Irglová to form the duo The Swell Season. The pair starred in the 2007 independent film Once, which led to their winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for their composition “Falling Slowly”.

Following the success of the film, Hansard and Irglová’s musical was adapted for the stage. The musical Once premiered on Broadway in 2012, featuring a cast of actors who also played all instruments on stage. The production won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Hansard launched a solo recording career in 2012 with the release of Rhythm and Repose, followed by albums including Didn’t He Ramble, This Wild Willing, and All That Was East Is West of Me Now. Throughout his career, he has toured internationally as a solo artist and joined other musicians on stage, performing across concert halls and festivals worldwide.