Tributes have been coming in from the film and music industries to Irish actor-singer Glen Hansard, who died yesterday aged 56.
Hansard was killed in a single-vehicle motorbike crash near Dublin. The crash was reported to emergency services shortly before 04.30 local time, according to the BBC.
Hansard and Marketa Irglova won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008 for ‘Falling Slowly’, from John Carney’s Once. The duo also co-starred in the film, about two struggling musicians in Dublin.
“With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin,” said a statement from Hansard’s management company ATC Management. “Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.”
Hansard was the frontman of Irish rock band The Frames, with whom he released six studio albums between 1991 and 2006. He also released solo records including 2012’s Rhythm And Repose, and 2015’s Didn’t He Ramble, the latter of which scored a Grammy nomination for best folk album.
His screen work after Once included voicing an Irish busker in The Simpsons; making 2011 documentary The Swell Season, named after and about his partnership with Irglova; and most recently making a cameo appearance in Carney’s latest film Power Ballad, released in May.
Trubutes
Searchlight Pictures, which released Once in North America, paid tribute to Hansard on social media, writing, “We are devastated by the loss of this inimitable member of our Searchlight family. A singer and actor of singular talent, his melodies gave voice to first love, first heartbreak, and many milestones in between for a generation of filmgoers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be missed by us all.”
“The Board and Executive at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have been deeply saddened at the news that Glen Hansard has passed away,” read a social media post from Screen Ireland, which backed Once. “As an actor, songwriter and performer, Glen was a cultural ambassador for Ireland. He combined storytelling, music and performance in equal measure, and made a lasting mark on the Irish film industry.
“Glen has been a crucial part of the story of Irish film over the last 20 years. He represented a central meeting point for Irish culture across music, folk art, activism and film. When accepting his Academy Award, he closed his acceptance speech with a fitting rallying cry: ‘Make art.’
“Our deepest sympathies go to Glen’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. [Translation from Irish: May his soul rest in peace].”
“Sometimes I would wonder if Glen Hansard really existed…” wrote U2 lead singer Bono on Instagram. “Seriously, he was such an angelic presence… not otherworldly… in fact, very present this presence… A smiling rascal if you needed him to be… this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun… no airs, plenty of graces…”
“Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard,” wrote Bruce Springsteen. “We met in Ireland many years ago and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”
Snow White and West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler sang ‘Falling Slowly’ with Hansard at his New York show in April this year. The actress posted selection of photos on Instagram in tribute to Hansard, with the words “oh i will love you forever. rest now, my friend.”
Hansard is survived by his partner, the poet Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son.
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