Anthony Head, the beloved British actor who starred in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, dies at 72

Sad news is emerging from Hollywood: word is spreading that Anthony Head, the gifted British actor known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has passed away at 72.

A statement from Head’s daughters

His daughters Emily and Daisy Head announced his death in a statement to the BBC, saying their father “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,” Emily and Daisy wrote. “We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans of the shows he was in — he loved his job very much, and he always considered himself incredibly lucky, to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people, in such wonderful productions, across a career that spanned several decades.”

Head’s most iconic roles

Though he’s appeared in countless films, television shows, and theater productions, most know Anthony Head (or Anthony Stewart Head, as I remember him) as Rupert Giles, the Watcher and father figure of Buffy Summers in The WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Head played Giles with a warmth and wisdom that resonated with audiences, the character always arriving in a pinch and ready to help turn the tables in any situation. Beyond Buffy, Head played Rupert Mannion in the feel-good Apple TV comedy series Ted Lasso. In the show, Mannion is the former owner of AFC Richmond who relinquishes ownership of the club to his wife, played by Hannah Waddingham, during their divorce. I thoroughly enjoy Head in this role, especially the scene in which he challenges Ted to a high-stakes round of darts.

Other film projects starring Anthony Head include Imagine Me & You, Repo! The Generic Opera, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, and more. You can also catch him as Uther Pendragon in the sword and sorcery television series Merlin. Head’s list of credits is extensive, with 141 acting credits on IMDB in addition to his extensive theater and musical theater work.

We wish Mr. Head safe travels to the Great Hereafter and sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

Source: Variety

Tags: Anthony Head, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso

About the Author

Steve Seigh

News Editor / Columnist

10,411 Articles Published

Favorite Movies: Death to Smoochy, The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las read more Vegas, The Crow, KPop Demon Hunters, The Sword in the Stone, Spirited Away, The Fisher King, The Shining, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Burbs, The Babadook, Summer Wars, The Princess Bride, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Game, In the Mouth of Madness, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Monsters Inc., Amelie, The Crow, Fight Club, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Likes: Getting lost in waves of sound while cocooned in a pair read more of serious headphones, comic book characters, film, and television, a delicious tumbler of whiskey, scientifically-inclined Canadians, wearing pajamas in public, pancakes, bacon, and long walks on the beach

The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.

What’s Not Allowed

Abusive language, insults, or harassment toward other users or staff.
Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Bickering, bullying, personal attacks, or baiting others to argue
Extended off-topic debates, especially those centered on politics or religion rather than the article topic
No AI content or SPAM