Anthony Head, the British actor best known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso, has died aged 72
Actor Anthony Head, celebrated for his memorable performances in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has passed away aged 72, according to a statement released by his daughters.
The British performer gained widespread recognition portraying librarian Rupert Giles in the beloved American supernatural drama featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar, which aired between 1997 and 2003.
His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, shared with the Press Association: “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.
“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.
“We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.” In recent years, Head portrayed Rupert Mannion, the former owner of Richmond FC and ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in the hit football comedy Ted Lasso.
Among his most memorable performances were his portrayal of the Prime Minister in Little Britain and Uther Pendragon, Prince Arthur’s father, in Merlin.
Recognised for his unmistakable deep voice, Head initially captured public attention in Britain during the 1980s through the iconic Nescafe Gold Blend television commercials.
Alongside Sharon Maughan, he formed one half of the Gold Blend couple, whose gradual romance unfolded over shared cups of coffee.
Running between 1987 and 1993, these advertisements remain among the most memorable instances of serialised television marketing.
While his Buffy role brought him widespread recognition across America, Head departed as a regular cast member during the programme’s sixth series, returning only for guest appearances until the show’s finale.
His television credits also encompassed Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who and My Family, alongside a role in the feature film Repo! The Genetic Opera.
In July 2018, he joined BBC Radio 4’s enduring drama The Archers, taking on the character of Robin Fairbrother.
Beyond acting, Head pursued a singing career, gracing West End stages and releasing recordings, including the soundtrack from Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s musical episode, as well as his own solo projects.
Head’s long-term partner, animal welfare advocate Sarah Fisher, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 61.
Fisher served as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and held the position of patron at Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.
The couple’s two daughters, Emily and Daisy, have both followed in their father’s footsteps as actresses. Emily gained widespread recognition for portraying Carli D’Amato in the E4 comedy series The Inbetweeners, while Daisy has featured in various television programmes such as Harlots, Shadow And Bone and The Gray House.
His sibling, Murray Head, is equally established in the acting world, renowned for his performance in the 1971 Oscar-nominated film Sunday Bloody Sunday, as well as performing the 1984 hit One Night In Bangkok from the stage production Chess.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login