Oscar Winner Glen Hansard Dies Aged 56 – His Partnership with Markéta Irglová Made Czech Film History

Irish musician Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle accident. Together with Czech singer Markéta Irglová, he won the Oscar in 2008 and maintained a close connection with the Czech Republic throughout his life.

Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle accident. For the Czech Republic, Hansard was far more than just an internationally successful musician. His long-standing collaboration with Czech singer Markéta Irglová not only led to an enduring musical partnership but also to an Oscar for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once.

According to an Irish TImes report, the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning in the Dublin suburb of Lucan. Hansard received medical treatment at the scene but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. Police confirmed his death.

Video: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (Official Video)

Born in Dublin in 1970, Glen Hansard began his career as a busker while still a teenager. After founding the band The Frames, he achieved international success in the early 2000s. He first came to the Czech Republic in 2001, where he met the young musician Markéta Irglová. Their collaboration later developed into the successful duo The Swell Season.

The 2006 film Once brought both artists worldwide recognition. For the ballad “Falling Slowly”, which served as the emotional centrepiece of the film, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. The pair also made a guest appearance in an episode of The Simpsons. They were also in a relationship for around three years.

Hansard maintained a close relationship with the Czech Republic throughout his life. He repeatedly described the country as a second home and said it reminded him of Ireland in many ways.