Renowned British actor Anthony Head, recognized for his roles in popular TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family on Friday. Head’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, revealed to the Press Association news agency that the actor had succumbed to complications related to pneumonia.
Head first gained prominence in the 1980s as one half of a romantic duo in Nescafé instant coffee commercials, later adapted for American audiences as Taster’s Choice. He later rose to international fame for his portrayal of Rupert Giles, the 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 the villainous character Rupert Mannion in “Ted Lasso,” the ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca. His daughters expressed their overwhelming grief at his passing but emphasized that his legacy would endure through the shows he contributed to and the fans who cherished them.
Born on February 20, 1954, in London to Seafield Head, a documentary filmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actress, Head hailed from a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry. Notable performances included his portrayal of Geoffrey Howe in “The Iron Lady” and appearances in shows like “Little Britain” and “Merlin,” where he played King Uther Pendragon.
Throughout his career, Head showcased his versatility by appearing in various productions, from plays and musicals to on-screen dramas like “Motherland,” “Manchild,” and “Silent Witness.” Tragically, in 2025, he lost his longtime partner, animal rights activist Sarah Fisher, at the age of 61.