Sarah Michelle Gellar, 'Buffy' co-stars pay emotional tribute to Anthony Head after his death at 72
Los Angeles, June 7
Actor Sarah Michelle Gellar has paid a heartfelt tribute to her former 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' co-star Anthony Head following his death at the age of 72 due to complications from pneumonia, according to E! News.
Head, best known for portraying Rupert Giles on the hit supernatural drama from 1997 to 2003, was remembered by colleagues, friends and family after his daughters, Emily Head and Daisy Head, confirmed the news of his passing on June 5.
Taking to Instagram, Gellar shared a series of throwback photographs and an emotional message honouring the actor, who played her mentor and father figure on the series.
"'Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok,'" Gellar wrote, referencing a memorable line from the show.
"Well, I don't have it figured out and I'm not ok."
"But I know I'm the lucky one because I knew you," she continued. "Thank you to Daisy and Emily, who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world."
Actor James Marsters, who portrayed Spike in the series, also paid tribute to Head, according to E! News.
"There's a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us. He was an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor in the cast," Marsters wrote on Instagram.
"He was the best of us. I was lucky to have known and learned from him. He left the world a better place for his presence. Thank you Tony for all you gave," he added.
Head's death also prompted tributes from his colleagues outside the Buffy universe. Actor Brett Goldstein, who worked with him on the acclaimed comedy series 'Ted Lasso', remembered him as both a remarkable performer and a compassionate person.
"Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person," Goldstein wrote on Instagram Stories.
"Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family," he added, according to E! News.
Head enjoyed a celebrated career spanning television, film and theatre. In addition to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he appeared in popular productions including 'Merlin', 'Little Britain' and, most recently, 'Ted Lasso'.
Confirming his death, daughters Daisy and Emily Head said in a statement to the BBC, "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," they added. "He loved his job very much," according to E! News.
Head was preceded in death by his longtime partner, animal welfare advocate Sarah Fisher, who died suddenly in December at the age of 61.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such an emotional tribute from Sarah. It's amazing how TV families become real families. I cried reading her post 😢 Anthony Head was class personified—he brought so much depth to Giles. His loss is a huge loss to the world of entertainment.
I'll always remember him as Giles, but his role in 'Ted Lasso' was amazing too. He had such range. 72 is too young to go. Condolences to his daughters and family. What a legacy he leaves behind.
This is so sad. He was a father figure to Buffy fans too 😔 I remember staying up to watch Buffy on Star World. Giles taught me that kindness and strength go hand in hand. Rest in peace, Tony. You'll never be forgotten.
While I'm really sad about this, I feel like the article focuses too much on the Hollywood tributes. He was a global star—fans from India, the UK, everywhere are mourning. Still, his work speaks for itself. A remarkable actor. 💔
I grew up with Buffy and Giles was like the wise dad I wished I had. He was the grounding force in the chaos of Sunnydale. This news hit hard. My thoughts are with his daughters and everyone who loved him. 🕊️
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