‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ star Anthony Head dies aged 72

The sad news has broke today that stage and screen actor and star of hit show ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ passed away aged 72.

His daughters Emily and Daisy Head announced his death in a statement to the BBC, saying their father “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.”

Head played Rupert Giles — the Watcher and father figure of the Slayer Buffy Summers — on all seven seasons of “Buffy” alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar.

On “Ted Lasso,” he played Rupert Mannion, the grumpy former owner of AFC Richmond who cedes ownership of the club to his wife, played by Hannah Waddingham, during their divorce.

Head’s other credits include playing the Prime Minister in the sketch comedy series “Little Britain” and Uther Pendragon in the fantasy adventure program “Merlin.”. He also appeared in British sci-fi show ‘Doctor Who’.

Below are some online tributes to the actor from friends, colleagues and fans:

I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head. When we were casting Little Britain, we were looking for a 'Tony Head-type', because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky us. He was unfailingly brilliant, and always…
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) June 5, 2026