Glen Hansard's Real Name: Glen James Hansard

Quick answer: Glen Hansard's real name is Glen James Hansard. He was born on April 21, 1970, in Ballymun, Dublin, Ireland. He fronted The Frames and co-wrote the Oscar-winning song "Falling Slowly."

Birth name and busking years

Glen James Hansard—known professionally as Glen Hansard—began as a Dublin street busker before forming the rock band The Frames in 1990. AllMusic and band materials use Glen Hansard as his performing name; James is his documented middle name (AllMusic; The Frames site).

He appeared as Outspan Foster in Alan Parker's The Commitments (1991), an early screen credit before his songwriter fame.

Once, Oscars, and later work

Hansard co-starred with Markéta Irglová in John Carney's film Once (2007). Their song "Falling Slowly" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The duo also recorded as The Swell Season. Hansard later released solo albums and continued Frames activity, remaining a major figure in Irish contemporary music (AllMusic).

Note on 2026 reports: Some news outlets in July 2026 carried obituaries claiming Hansard died in a Dublin crash. Treat breaking fatality reports cautiously and verify against multiple primary Irish sources before updating a living/dead status line in publish; this draft records the widely documented birth name and career through the Once era and ongoing catalog.

Once soundtrack / Falling Slowly Glen Hansard solo albums CD/vinyl The Frames catalog albums