Markéta Irglová

Markéta Irglová is a Czech-Icelandic singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. She first captured global attention starring opposite Glen Hansard in the 2007 film Once, and co-wrote its Oscar-winning song "Falling Slowly," becoming the youngest songwriter to win that award at age 19. With Hansard she formed the duo The Swell Season, releasing three albums together. Since then, Irglová has built a rich solo career, releasing four albums that highlight her ethereal voice and introspective writing. Now based in Reykjavik, she continues to perform and record, blending folk, classical, and indie pop into a sound entirely her own. Fans know her for her quiet intensity and the emotional honesty that runs through everything she touches. [edit]

Markéta Irglová grew up in Valašské Meziříčí, a small town in the Czech Republic. Her father, a musician, introduced her to piano as a child, and she soaked up classical music alongside Czech folk traditions. The family moved to Ireland during her teenage years, a shift that would reshape her life. In Dublin she met Glen Hansard, then frontman of The Frames, and their musical connection sparked quickly. They began writing together, and those early sessions laid the groundwork for what became The Swell Season. Before the film Once changed everything, Irglová was a young musician finding her voice in a new country, playing piano and absorbing the city's vibrant music scene. [edit]

The breakthrough came with Once in 2007, a low-budget film that became a phenomenon. Irglová's performance as a Czech immigrant in Dublin earned widespread praise, and her co-written song "Falling Slowly" took the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. That same year she and Hansard formally toured as The Swell Season, releasing three studio albums that blended folk, rock, and classical textures. After the duo wound down, Irglová launched a solo career with Anar (2011) and Muna (2014), followed by Luma and other projects. Her 2020 single "Among the Living" was a compassionate elegy for that difficult year. Recent work includes the 2025 single "My Roots Go Deep," and she continues to perform internationally, now based in Iceland. [edit]

Irglová's public persona is that of a serious, introspective artist. She favors understated style, often in earth tones, and her stage presence is quiet but magnetic. Media coverage tends to focus on her musical achievements and the historic Oscar win rather than celebrity gossip. Her fan base is devoted and niche, connecting with her through social media and direct-to-fan platforms like Bandcamp. She shares behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal reflections, maintaining a warm, authentic voice that resonates with listeners who value emotional depth. [edit]

Markéta Irglová stands as the 57th most famous person in Czechia, a standing confirmed by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, while simultaneously holding the title of the 21st most famous person from Czechia. These placements within the rankings reflect a career that transcends the indie folk niche to capture global attention through historic cinematic moments and enduring musical partnerships. Her legacy is defined not by manufactured stardom but by the raw emotional resonance of her work with Glen Hansard, a bond that culminated in an Oscar win for "Falling Slowly" at age 19. The narrative surrounding her has recently shifted into profound territory following the death of Hansard in July 2026. This tragedy transformed their story from one of reunion after a sixteen-year silence to a final, star-studded farewell where she performed alongside Eddie Vedder and Bono at his funeral in Dublin. That August 2026 moment cemented her status as a figure of deep cultural significance. Her audience remains a devoted, organic community of indie enthusiasts who connect through intimate channels like Bandcamp rather than organized fan clubs. There is no formal name for this collective; they are simply fans drawn to her ethereal voice and the quiet intensity of her artistry. The absence of a branded fandom mirrors the authenticity of her public image, where media focus stays strictly on her musical achievements and the poignant history of her partnership with Hansard.[edit]

Markéta Irglová named The Swell Season after a novel by Czech writer Josef Škvorecký. She maintains a deep connection to Iceland, her current home, where she frequently collaborates with local musicians. Her independent spirit shines through her Bandcamp page, which offers direct sales to fans. Known for an ethereal stage presence, she often performs barefoot. In 2026, she delivered a haunting performance at Glen Hansard's funeral in Dublin alongside music icons Eddie Vedder and Bono, a moment described as spiritually resonant for those who witnessed it. The legend of her career has evolved dramatically since the 2007 film Once. After a sixteen-year hiatus, The Swell Season reunited in April 2025 to release their album Forward, reigniting their musical chemistry. However, this triumphant return was cut short by Hansard's passing in July 2026. The story now centers on their brief reunion and the final tribute that united global superstars to honor a lost partner, turning a tale of indie romance into a modern saga of shared grief and legendary farewell.[edit]

Irglová grew up in a musical household; her father was a musician who nurtured her early piano skills. She has spoken warmly about her family's support. She later married Icelandic musician Sturla Thorisson, with whom she has children, and the family settled in Reykjavik. More recently, she married Tim Iseler, and the couple continues to live in Iceland. Her children remain a central part of her life, though she keeps details private. [edit]

Markéta Irglová is closely associated with Glen Hansard, her musical partner and co-star in Once. Their collaboration defined her early career. She has also worked with director John Carney, who helmed the film. In recent years, she has performed alongside Eddie Vedder and Bono, notably at Hansard's funeral. Her family includes former husband Sturla Thorisson and current husband Tim Iseler. [edit]

Markéta Irglová's most famous relationship was with Glen Hansard, her Once co-star and musical partner. They began dating around 2005 during the making of the film, and their on-screen chemistry mirrored their real-life connection. The relationship ended around 2009, but they remained close friends and collaborators until his death in 2026. She later married Icelandic musician Sturla Thorisson, with whom she has children. That marriage ended, and she is now married to Tim Iseler. As of 2026, she is based in Reykjavik with Iseler. [edit]

As of 2026, Markéta Irglová's net worth is estimated at around $3 million per iFANN's editorial analysis. Her income streams include royalties from the Oscar-winning "Falling Slowly," which continues to generate licensing fees, plus earnings from her four solo albums and three Swell Season records. She also earns from international touring and festival appearances, and occasional acting roles. Her independent approach means she retains more control over her music, with direct sales through Bandcamp adding to her revenue. While not a mainstream commercial act, her career has been sustainable and steady, reflecting her artistic priorities.[edit]

Markéta Irglová's most significant award is the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly," shared with Glen Hansard. At 19, she became the youngest songwriter to win that category, a record she still holds. This singular honor remains the highlight of her competitive awards, though her work has earned widespread critical acclaim. [edit]