Anthony Head, the celebrated British actor best known for roles in the cult TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, died at the age of 72, his family revealed on Friday (5 June).
Head’s daughters, actors Emily and Daisy Head, revealed that the actor died due to complications from pneumonia.
Emily and Daisy Head wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father. He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”
“It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many,” they added.
Over the weekend, countless stars have paid tribute to Head, whose career touched the lives of so many.
From the “will-they, won’t-they” romantic couple in a series of British ads for Nescafe Gold Blend instant coffee in the 80s, to his stand-out role as Rupert Giles, the Watcher of Buffy on Buffy The Vampire Slayer - via roles in Little Britain, Doctor Who, Jonathan Creek, Bridgerton, and his recurring role in Apple TV+’s show Ted Lasso - Head’s smooth delivery, immeasurable charm and scene-making charisma made him a fan favourite.
Little Britain co-creator Matt Lucas paid tribute on social media, writing: “When we were casting Little Britain, we were looking for a ‘Tony Head-type’, because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky us. He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm. My heart goes out to Daisy and Emily.”
Harlan Coben, the writer of the novel The Stranger, the Netflix adaptation of which Head appeared in, described him as “charming and erudite and funny and open and friendly and so damn talented”, saying he “brought joy and warmth and sparkle and wonder to every room he entered”.
Head's Ted Lasso co-star and writer on the show, actor Brett Goldstein, remembered Head as "infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy".
He wrote: "Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family."
Screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies remembered Head as an "absolute delight" and recalled their time working together on shows including Doctor Who and Merlin.
The cast of Buffy also paid tribute to their co-star and friend.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy, wrote on Instagram: “’Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok’ Well I don’t have it figured out and I’m not ok. But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you. Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world.”
David Boreanaz, who played Angel in the show, described him as a "kind and generous soul", while James Marsters (Spike) said: “There’s a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us. He was an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor in the cast. He was the best of us. I was lucky to have known, and learned from him. He left the world a better place for his presence. Thank you Tony for all you gave.”
Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, wrote this weekend: “This cut is so deep I fear it can never heal. Oh Tonal…I am so grateful to have had you in my life! I want to say a million wonderful things about you and yet I can’t seem to find the words that would do you justice. I love you so much and will miss you forever. RIP.”
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia, honored Head with a touching post, saying: “Tony brought life to a character who, for so many, was the father figure they needed but didn’t have at home. Fans far and wide are surely grieving, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins, posted a photo of herself with Head on Instagram, writing: “This was taken on the London Underground in 2011. I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of The Iron Lady. We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day. There were many of these moments with this amazing human who I was lucky enough to call my friend for 27 years. He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved.”
The Buffy-verse experienced a loss earlier this year when Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris during the show’s entire run, died at the age of 54. Last year, Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers, died aged 39.
Anthony Head lost his long-term partner Sarah Fisher, an animal welfare campaigner, last December at the age of 61.
RIP Anthony Head 1954 – 2026. You will be missed.
Talking Europe © FRANCE 24
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