Anthony Head, the British actor beloved for his roles in Ted Lasso and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 72.
His daughters, actors Emily Head and Daisy Head, confirmed the news to BBC News, saying their father “passed away peacefully from complications related to pneumonia while surrounded by his family.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father,” his daughters said. “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.”
Anthony Head was a British actor best known for his memorable roles in television, film, and theater over a career spanning more than four decades. Born on February 20, 1954, in London, England, he came from a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry and began acting in the late 1970s.
Head rose to international fame as Rupert Giles, the wise librarian and mentor in the hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His portrayal of Giles made him a fan favorite and helped establish him as a recognizable figure in television. Before that, he became widely known in the United Kingdom through a series of popular coffee commercials.
In later years, Head found a new generation of fans as Rupert Mannion, the sharp-tongued former owner of AFC Richmond in the acclaimed comedy series Ted Lasso. The role earned praise for blending humor, vulnerability, and complexity.
Beyond television, Head appeared in numerous films and stage productions, including performances in London’s West End. His screen credits included The Iron Lady, Repo! The Genetic Opera, and TV series such as Merlin, Doctor Who, and Little Britain.
Per the BBC, Head is survived by his daughters, actresses Emily Head and Daisy Head. His longtime partner, Sarah Fisher, died in 2025. Emily is best known for playing Carli D’Amato in The Inbetweeners, while Daisy has appeared in series including Harlots and Shadow and Bone.
He is also survived by his brother, Murray Head, an actor and singer whose credits include the Oscar-nominated 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday and the musical Chess.
