Glen Hansard, Oscar-winning actor and musician, dead at 56

Glen Hansard, an Oscar-winning musician and actor, died in a motorcycle crash in Ireland on Wednesday. He was 56.

The “Once” star was killed in a single-vehicle crash at the Strawberry Beds in West Dublin just before 4:30 a.m., the Irish Times reported.

An Garda Síochána, the national police service of Ireland, confirmed that someone had tragically died in a statement but did not name Hansard.

“The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but was pronounced deceased a short time later,” they said.

“The scene has been preserved for examination by Garda forensic collision investigators. Local traffic diversions are currently in place.”

However, ATC Management, who represented Hansard, confirmed Hansard’s passing in a statement.

“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,” they said.

“Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time,” ATC Management added.

“The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.”

The musician quit school at age 13 and began performing on the streets of Dublin for money.

In 1990, Hansard formed the alternative rock band The Frames. The group released six studio albums and gained prominent success in Ireland.

Hansard was also part of the folk duo Swell Season with Czech singer Markéta Irglová.

In 2007, he starred alongside Irglová in the low-budget musical “Once.” Their breakout duet for the movie, “Falling Slowly,” won the Oscar for best original song that year.

The film also won a Grammy Award for best musical theater album for “Once.”

Hansard released his debut solo album, “Rhythm and Repose,” in 2012. His 2015 album, “Didn’t He Ramble,” was nominated for the Grammy for best folk album.

He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son, Christy.