Anthony Head, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Ted Lasso' star, dies at 72
Washington DC, June 6
Veteran British actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in 'Buffy' the 'Vampire Slayer' and 'Ted Lasso,' has died at the age of 72.
Head died of complications from pneumonia, his daughters, Daisy and Emily, said in a statement Friday to the Press Association in the U.K, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head," their statement read. "He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family."
Head was widely loved for playing Rupert Giles, the mentor and father figure to Buffy Summers, in all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The role made him a familiar face to television audiences around the world.
In recent years, he gained a new generation of fans through his role as Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso. He played the former owner of AFC Richmond, a character known for creating challenges for the club and its management.
Over the years, Head built a long and successful career in television and theatre. His other notable roles included playing the Prime Minister in Little Britain and Uther Pendragon in Merlin.
Before becoming a television star, Head worked extensively on stage. He appeared in productions of Godspell, Chess, Peter Pan and Rocky Horror Show Live. He also became well known in the United Kingdom through a popular series of Nescafe commercials that aired between 1987 and 1993.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Only 72? That's too young. Pneumonia is such a cruel thing. I remember watching Buffy late nights on Star One. Giles was the glue that held the Scooby gang together. His chemistry with Anthony Stewart Head was unmatched. Rest in peace, sir. You gave us so much joy. 🙏
Not just Buffy! He was hilarious as the bumbling Prime Minister in Little Britain. And who can forget those Nescafe commercials? The man had incredible range. From theater to TV to film, he did it all. A true British acting legend. Condolences to his daughters Daisy and Emily.
Such a versatile actor. I first saw him as Uther Pendragon in Merlin, and it took me a while to realize he was the same guy from Buffy! He brought so much gravitas to that role. It's wonderful that he got to reach a new generation through Ted Lasso - Rupert Mannion was so delightfully villainous. Truly a loss for the entertainment world.
RIP Anthony Head. 🙏 His portrayal of Giles literally defined the "wise mentor" archetype for a generation. I used to wish I had a Giles in my life! Also, his work in the theater - Godspell, Chess - showed what a consummate performer he was. Pneumonia is no joke, especially at that age. Let's hope his family finds strength.
Man, this hits hard. I discovered Buffy during the pandemic lockdowns in India and binged the entire series. Giles quickly became my favorite - that stiff upper lip hiding so much emotion. Head's
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