Anthony Head, Buffy and Ted Lasso star, dies at 72

British actor Anthony Head, best known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 72 from complications related to pneumonia. Head also starred in Merlin, Ted Lasso, and Little Britain. His daughters said he passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a celebrated acting legacy spanning decades.

British actor Anthony Head, widely recognised for his role as Rupert Giles in the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 72. According to a statement released by his daughters, Emily and Daisy, the actor passed away peacefully after suffering complications from pneumonia while surrounded by family members.
In a heartfelt tribute, his daughters described him as an “extraordinary father” and said it had been both an honour and a privilege to be his daughters and witness the profound impact he had on audiences through his work. They noted that he loved acting deeply and always considered himself fortunate to have spent his life doing what he enjoyed most.
Head rose to international fame in the late 1990s through his portrayal of Rupert Giles, the wise mentor and watcher who guided Buffy and her friends in their battles against supernatural forces. His performance made him one of the most beloved characters in the series and earned him a devoted fan base around the world.
Following his success in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Head continued to build an impressive acting career across television, film, and theatre. He appeared in the comedy sketch series Little Britain, played King Uther Pendragon in the fantasy drama Merlin, and later won praise for his role as Rupert Mannion in the acclaimed comedy-drama Ted Lasso.
His extensive list of screen credits also included appearances in The Iron Lady, Persuasion, The Inbetweeners and Manchild, among many other productions throughout a career that spanned several decades.
In their statement, his daughters acknowledged that he would be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and fans who admired his work across generations. They expressed gratitude for having watched him pursue a career he loved and said his legacy would continue to live on through the many memorable characters he brought to life on screen.