Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died aged 56 following a crash in Dublin, the beloved The Commitments star leaves behind an incredible career in music and film
A much-loved singer has died at the age of 56 following a crash in Lucan, Dublin, in the early hours of this morning.
Glen Hansard, who rose to fame through both acting and music, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy after a career that saw him become one of Ireland’s most celebrated performers.
Hansard was raised in Ballymun and may never have pursued music professionally if it hadn’t been for the encouragement of his headmaster, who recognised his talent and suggested he take his guitar onto the streets and start busking. He later left school and spent years performing for passers-by before his life changed dramatically thanks to an unexpected acting opportunity.
Despite having little interest in acting at the time, Hansard attended an audition for The Commitments after being persuaded by a friend. After reading just a handful of lines, he was quickly called back.
The hit comedy-drama went on to become a huge success, winning a BAFTA and launching Hansard into the spotlight.
Although acting opened the door to fame, music always remained his greatest passion.
Hansard became a member of The Frames in the late 1980s, with the band going on to enjoy huge success not only in Ireland but across Europe, performing to thousands of devoted fans.
Looking back on one of the group’s biggest songs, Hansard once admitted he never expected it to become such a hit.
“When we released Fake, we got tons of radioplay and found ourselves playing to people in Kylie Minogue t-shirts while our faithful audience were five rows back with their arms folded,” he recalled.
“It was one of those tunes I wrote in three minutes and wasn’t really into, but everyone I played it to went wild.”
Away from the stage, Hansard found happiness with wife Maire Saaritsa. The couple married in 2020 before welcoming their son, Christy, two years later.
Fatherhood brought a new outlook on life for the star, who previously described becoming a parent as a “complete perspective shift”.
He added that he was “absolutely loving it”.
The family divided their time between Ireland and Ms Saaritsa’s native Finland.
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