Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head dies at 72

Anthony Head, the acclaimed British actor celebrated for his iconic roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso," has passed away at the age of 72. His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, announced his death in a statement to the Press Association, describing his passing as peaceful and resulting from complications of pneumonia, with his family by his side.

“

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.

Head was widely recognized for his portrayal of Rupert Giles, the librarian and mentor figure in the cult classic supernatural series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which aired from 1997 to 2003. His performance in the series earned him a significant following in the United States. More recently, he played Rupert Mannion, the ex-husband of Rebecca Welton, in the popular football comedy "Ted Lasso."

“

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.

His extensive career spanned several decades and included memorable performances as the Prime Minister in "Little Britain" and Uther Pendragon in "Merlin." Head first gained prominence in the UK during the 1980s for his role in the Nescafé Gold Blend television commercials, where he starred opposite Sharon Maughan in a slow-burning romantic narrative that became a cultural touchstone.

“

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.

Beyond his television work, Head was also a singer and stage performer, appearing in the West End and contributing to musical recordings, including the soundtrack for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer's" musical episode. He also had roles in other television series such as "Motherland," "Manchild," "Silent Witness," "Spooks," "Doctor Who," and "My Family," as well as the film "Repo! The Genetic Opera." In 2018, he joined the cast of the long-running BBC Radio 4 drama "The Archers."

“

Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them. How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us.