Actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72, his daughters say.

The English star was best known as librarian Rupert Giles in the cult US supernatural TV series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, which ran from 1997 to 2003.

A statement from his daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, to the Press Association, said: “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 firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many.

“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.”

Anthony Head's daughters have confirmed the actor died due to complications from pneumonia just months after the death of his wife. Anthony Head’s daughters have confirmed the actor died due to complications from pneumonia just months after the death of his wife. Credit: AAP

Most recently, Head played former Richmond FC owner Rupert Mannion, the ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in football comedy Ted Lasso.

His other notable roles were the prime minister in Little Britain and Uther Pendragon in Merlin, the father of Prince Arthur.

 

Known for his distinctive baritone voice, Head first rose to fame in the United Kingdom in the 1980s in the Nescafe Gold Blend television adverts.

He was one half of the Gold Blend couple, alongside Sharon Maughan, who began a slow-burning romance over a cup of coffee.

The ads, which ran from 1987 to 1993, are one of the best-known examples of serialised advertising.

the English actor rose to international fame playing mentor Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.the English actor rose to international fame playing mentor Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Credit: Fotos International/Getty

Head’s role in Buffy made him famous in the United States but he left the regular cast during the show’s sixth season, only appearing as a guest star until the series concluded.

He also acted in Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who and My Family as well as the film Repo! The Genetic Opera.

In July 2018 joined the cast of BBC Radio 4 long-running drama The Archers, playing Robin Fairbrother.

He was also a singer, appearing in the West End and recording music, including the album of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode as well as solo endeavours.

Head’s long-time partner, animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025 aged 61.

Their daughters, Emily and Daisy, are both actresses.

Emily is best known for her role as Carli D’Amato in E4 sitcom The Inbetweeners while Daisy has appeared in TV shows including Harlots, Shadow And Bone and The Gray House.

Anthony’s brother Murray Head is also an actor best known for his role in the Oscar-nominated 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday, and for singing the 1984 single One Night In Bangkok from the musical Chess.

SOURCE: 7NEWS

https://7news.com.au/entertainment/anthony-head-star-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-ted-lasso-dies-just-months-after-his-wifes-death-c-22392355