Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who became internationally famous thanks to his role in the drama film Ounces of 2007, died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 56. The news of his death was confirmed by ATC Management, the agency that represented him.
Glen's family is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic loss and requests privacy at this extremely difficult time,” their statement read. «The family is grateful for the support they have received and would like to thank the emergency services who attended the scene. As the matter is still the subject of an ongoing investigation by the police, no further comments will be made at this time.”
Hansard, who was also the frontman of rock band The Frames, died following an accident in Dublin on Wednesday. Police and emergency services were called to the scene just before 4.30am after receiving reports of a collision.
The singer-songwriter won the Oscar for best original song with Falling Slowlywhich he wrote and starred in the film Ounces together with his co-star and former partner Markéta Irglová. Hansard was active in the music world until his death and released the second volume of his album last month Don't Settle – Transmissions East & West .
Hansard was born in Ballymun, Dublin, in 1970 and began his career performing as a street musician in the Irish capital as a teenager. He formed The Frames in 1990 and achieved fame through his role as guitarist, Outspan Foster, in the film The Commitments by Alan Parker.
But it was Ounces of 2007 to prove to be one of Hansard's most beloved and enduring works. John Carney's film follows Hansard and Irglová as two penniless musicians in Dublin who slowly fall in love. The film grossed $23 million worldwide.
In 2022 Hansard became the father of Christy, with his partner, the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa.
From Rolling Stone US.
