Anthony Head, star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso and many more series and films, has died at the age of 72, and his co-stars have paid tribute to the popular actor.
Head’s death was announced on Friday 5 June, with his daughters Emily and Daisy saying in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.
“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 first-hand the impact both he and his work have had on so many.”
As well as his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, Head made notable appearances in series including Doctor Who, Little Britain, Merlin, The Split, The Stranger and Motherland. He also had roles in films such as The Inbetweeners Movie and The Iron Lady.
Head played Rupert Giles in all seven seasons of Buffy, and his co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a tribute on Instagram saying: “‘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.”
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Meanwhile, David Boreanaz said in an Instagram post with a picture of himself and Head, smiling: “This is how I met Anthony, in laughter and smile always. And this is how I will remember him always. All kindness and a soul that was inspiring to me. Thank you brother. RIP”
James Marsters added in a post: “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.”
As part of a longer tribute, Charisma Carpenter said: “Tony was incredibly kind to everyone and to every living thing. In fact, when ants once overtook my trailer at work, I asked the teamsters if they had any Raid to kill them.
“Tony suggested asking the ants to leave instead. I mean it when I say he respected every living thing. I can’t think of a finer example of a truly good human being.”
And Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins, added: “He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed. Rest in peace with your beautiful Sarah-Emma.”
Head’s Ted Lasso co-stars have also paid tribute, after the character played Rebecca’s husband Rupert Mannion across the show’s first three seasons.
Brett Goldstein, Roy Kent star and writer on the show, said in an Instagram Story: “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. Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”
Meanwhile, Leslie Higgins star Jeremy Swift said in an Instagram post: “Goodbye Tony, we adored you, Rest in Peace my friend.”
Head’s Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas also posted a tribute on X, saying: “I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head. 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.”
The official Doctor Who account paid tribute with a post saying: “We are very sad to report the passing of Anthony Head, who appeared as Mr Finch in ‘School Reunion’ in 2006. He was also known by fans for his commentary in #DoctorWho Confidential and the voice of Baltazar in ‘The Infinite Quest’.”
