Anthony Head, Star of 'Buffy' and 'Ted Lasso,' Dies at 72

British actor Anthony Head, celebrated for his iconic roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso," has passed away at the age of 72. His daughters, Emily and Daisy, confirmed his peaceful death, attributing it to complications from pneumonia. They shared a heartfelt statement, calling it an honor to be his daughters and acknowledging the profound impact their father had on many.

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With the heaviest of hearts, we must announce the death of our extraordinary father. To have been his daughters was, and will always be, an honor and a privilege.

Head's career began in the 1980s with his memorable appearances in Nescafé Gold Blend commercials in the UK. He achieved international stardom as Rupert Giles in the late 1990s supernatural teen drama "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." His diverse acting portfolio also includes roles as the Prime Minister in "Little Britain," King Uther Pendragon in the BBC series "Merlin," and Rupert Mannion in "Ted Lasso."

Beyond these prominent roles, Head lent his talents to films like "The Iron Lady" and television shows such as "The Inbetweeners" and "Doctor Who." He also joined the cast of the long-running BBC Radio 4 drama "The Archers" in 2018. His theatrical career was equally notable, with performances in "The Rocky Horror Show," "Godspell," and "Chess."

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We know how much he will be missed by his friends, colleagues, and fans of the shows he appeared in.

Born in London in 1954, Anthony Head was the son of actress Helen Shingler and documentarian Seafield Head. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His passing comes after the loss of his long-time partner, Sarah Fisher, in December 2025. His daughters, Emily and Daisy, are also pursuing careers in acting.

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He always considered himself incredibly lucky.