British actor Anthony Head, recognized for his roles in popular TV shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family on Friday. The actor’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, revealed to the Press Association news agency that he had complications from pneumonia.
Head first gained fame in the 1980s as one-half of a romantic duo in advertisements for Nescafé instant coffee in the UK, which were later adapted for the U.S. audience as Taster’s Choice. He later rose to prominence as Rupert Giles, the wise mentor to the lead character in the beloved supernatural series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which aired from 1997 to 2003.
In his most recent role, Head portrayed Rupert Mannion, the antagonistic ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in the acclaimed series “Ted Lasso.” His daughters expressed their profound grief, emphasizing that his legacy will endure through the shows he participated in and the audiences who cherish them.
Born in London on February 20, 1954, to Seafield Head, a documentary filmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actress, Head hailed from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Noteworthy performances in his career included portraying Geoffrey Howe in the award-winning film “The Iron Lady” and assuming roles as a prime minister in the comedy series “Little Britain” and King Uther Pendragon in the TV series “Merlin.”
Throughout his career, Head showcased his talent in various productions, including “Motherland,” “Manchild,” and “Silent Witness,” in addition to his work in theater and music. Tragically, in 2025, he experienced the loss of his longtime partner, animal rights activist Sarah Fisher at the age of 61.