British actor Anthony Head, renowned for his memorable roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin, and Little Britain, has died at the age of 72.
Head rose to international prominence in the late 1990s for his portrayal of Rupert Giles, the wise mentor and librarian in the cult supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Over the years, he became a familiar face on British and international television, earning acclaim for his versatility and commanding screen presence.
His daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, revealing that he died peacefully from complications related to pneumonia while surrounded by family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father,” they said. “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 that their father deeply loved acting and always considered himself fortunate to do what he loved throughout his career. “His legacy will live on,” they said, noting how much he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans around the world.
Tributes quickly poured in from former co-stars and industry colleagues. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside Head in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shared a series of photographs on social media and wrote: “I don’t have it figured out and I’m not okay. But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you.”