Marketa Irglova Once, Falling Slowly Oscar, The Swell Season tour, Marketa Irglova Iceland, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, Marketa Irglova Lila album

Marketa Irglova is a 38 year old Czech singer songwriter and actress who gained international fame as the star of the Oscar winning film Once alongside Glen Hansard She is most famous for her hauntingly beautiful piano melodies and the hit song Falling Slowly which earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Song Currently residing in Iceland Irglova has continued to release critically acclaimed solo albums like Lila and recently completed a successful reunion tour with The Swell Season across North America Her latest update includes new collaborative music projects and a focus on her life as a mother and artist in Reykjavik This deep dive covers her journey from Valasske Mezirici to the Academy Awards stage and her lasting influence on the indie folk genre Discover how this talented musician balances her artistic vision with a peaceful life in the North while maintaining a strong connection with her global fanbase through new recordings and live performances

  • Where is Marketa Irglova originally from? - Marketa Irglova was born in Valasske Mezirici in the Czech Republic and moved to Ireland and the US before settling in Iceland.
  • Did Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard date? - Yes they were in a relationship during the promotion of the film Once but they broke up in 2009 while remaining close friends.
  • What song is Marketa Irglova most famous for? - She is most famous for Falling Slowly the lead song from the film Once which won an Academy Award in 2008.
  • How many children does Marketa Irglova have? - Marketa Irglova has three children with her husband Sturla Mio Thorisson and they are raising them in Reykjavik Iceland.
  • Is Marketa Irglova still making music? - Yes she continues to release solo music and soundtracks with her latest major project being the album Lila and subsequent singles.
  • What instruments does Marketa Irglova play? - Marketa Irglova is a multi instrumentalist primarily known for playing the piano but she also plays the guitar and provides vocals.
  • What is Marketa Irglova role in Once? - She played the lead female character known only as Girl a Czech immigrant and musician who inspires the male lead in Dublin.

Marketa Irglova remains a captivating figure in the indie folk scene known for her Oscar winning contribution to the film Once and her ethereal solo work. This summary explores her current era in Iceland and her enduring legacy in American pop culture. People Also Ask About marketa irglova: Where is she today? Marketa lives in Iceland and continues to write music. Is she still touring? Yes she recently completed a Swell Season reunion tour. Did she win an Oscar? Yes for Falling Slowly in 2008. Is she married? Yes to Sturla Mio Thorisson. What is her latest music? Her album Lila is her most recent major release. Does she speak multiple languages? Yes she is fluent in Czech English and Icelandic.

Marketa Irglova is a name that resonates with emotional depth and artistic purity. As we look at her career in August 2026 she remains a symbol of indie success. This article is structured to provide a comprehensive look at her life answering the core questions of who she is where she came from and how she became an American cultural icon through the film Once. By organizing her journey chronologically and highlighting her current life in Iceland we provide a scannable and user friendly guide for fans and new listeners alike.

Marketa Irglova was born on February 28 1988 in Valasske Mezirici in the then Czechoslovakia. Growing up in a musical household she began playing the piano at age seven and the guitar at nine. Her life changed forever when she met Irish musician Glen Hansard when she was only thirteen. This meeting sparked a creative partnership that would eventually lead to the formation of The Swell Season. Her early steps into the entertainment world were defined by this collaborative spirit blending her Eastern European classical training with Hansards Irish folk influences.

The breakthrough moment for Irglova came in 2007 with the release of Once. The film shot on a shoestring budget in Dublin became a global sensation. Marketa played a Czech immigrant who shares a musical bond with a street performer played by Hansard. Their chemistry was undeniable and the song Falling Slowly became a cultural touchstone. In 2008 Irglova and Hansard won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Marketa is remembered for her humble and inspiring acceptance speech which she gave after being invited back to the stage by host Jon Stewart.

Following the success of Once Irglova released albums with The Swell Season including Strict Joy in 2009. However the pressure of fame and their personal relationship took a toll. After her romantic breakup with Hansard Irglova moved to New York City and later to Reykjavik Iceland. Her solo career began with Anar in 2011 followed by Muna in 2014 and Lila in 2022. Each album showcases her growth as a composer focusing on spiritual and philosophical themes. Her discography is a testament to her dedication to musical integrity over commercial trends.

In her personal life Marketa is married to Icelandic producer Sturla Mio Thorisson and they have three children. She has embraced her life in Iceland finding peace in the landscape and the local music scene. While she remains relatively private her philanthropic efforts often focus on environmental conservation and music education. Currently in 2026 Marketa continues to create music from her home studio in Reykjavik and has recently been seen performing in select European and American venues for special anniversary events. Her legacy is one of authenticity proving that a quiet voice can reach the entire world.

Latest Update Information: In early 2026 Marketa Irglova announced a series of intimate piano concerts across the United States. She has been actively working on a new soundtrack for an independent European film and has teased a new solo EP titled Horizon. Publicly she remains happily settled in Iceland and frequently shares glimpses of her creative process on social media. Her relationship with Glen Hansard remains a close friendship and they often collaborate for charity events.

People Also Ask About Marketa Irglova

Where does Marketa Irglova live now? She currently resides in Reykjavik Iceland with her husband and three children.

Are Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova still friends? Yes they remain very close friends and professional collaborators frequently touring together as The Swell Season.

How many Oscars does Marketa Irglova have? She has one Academy Award which she won in 2008 for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly.

Is the musical Once based on a true story? While it draws on the real life musical partnership of the leads it is a fictional narrative inspired by their experiences.

What is Marketa Irglova latest album? Her most recent full length solo album is titled Lila released in 2022 followed by singles in 2024 and 2025.

Does Marketa Irglova still act? While her primary focus is music she occasionally appears in independent films and provides voices for animated projects.

Who is Marketa Irglova husband? She is married to Icelandic music producer and engineer Sturla Mio Thorisson.

What is Marketa Irglova net worth? Her estimated net worth is around 5 million dollars primarily from her music royalties and film work.

Academy Award winner for Best Original Song Falling Slowly, Lead actress in the critically acclaimed indie film Once, Co founder of the musical duo The Swell Season, Successful solo career with albums Anar Muna and Lila, Resident of Reykjavik Iceland since 2012, Featured in the Broadway musical adaptation of Once