Hansard had won international acclaim during his three decades working in film, music and cinema.
Born in Ballymun, Dublin in April 1970, Hansard began playing music very young, performing on Dublin streets and founding the band The Frames in 1990.
With Hansard as lead singer, guitarist and composer, The Frames became one of the most popular bands on Ireland’s music scene.
The musical-comedy The Commitments, directed by Alan Parker and based on a book by author Roddy Doyle, charted the fortunes of a Dublin soul band.
Hansard played Outspan Foster, a lanky guitarist with tousled red hair, recruited by music fan Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) who dreams of setting up a band to perform classic 50s and 60s soul music.
The feel-good film with a powerful musical score captured audience hearts, and went on to win four Baftas, as well as being nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
In 2007, Hansard won an Oscar with Czech musician Marketa Irglova for their co-written song Falling Slowly from the Irish romantic film Once directed by John Carney.
Set in Dublin, Hansard plays a busker who meets fellow musician Irglova, bonding over their shared love of music.
Hansard also had a successful solo career, with several Grammy nominations.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said in a statement he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Hansard’s death.
Hansard was “a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years”.
– AFP