Ted Lasso actor Anthony Head passes away at 72
Washington DC, June 6
Anthony Head, the British actor best known for his roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Ted Lasso', has passed away at the age of 72, reported Variety.
According to the outlet, his daughters Emily and Daisy Head announced his death in a statement to the BBC, saying their father "passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family."
The actor portrayed the role of Rupert Giles on all seven seasons of 'Buffy' alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar. On 'Ted Lasso', he played Rupert Mannion, the grumpy former owner of AFC Richmond who cedes ownership of the club to his wife, played by Hannah Waddingham, during their divorce.
Head's other credits include playing the Prime Minister in the sketch comedy series 'Little Britain' and Uther Pendragon in the fantasy adventure program 'Merlin'.
While he was mostly recognised for his work on television, Head began his career in the theatre, acting in the musical 'Godspell' in the late 1970s.
The actor performed in productions of 'Chess', 'Peter Pan' and 'Rocky Horror Show Live'. Before he broke out on screen, Head gained recognition in the U.K. as the star of a series of Nescafe commercials that ran from 1987 to 1993.
"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," Emily and Daisy wrote in their statement as quoted in Variety.
"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," added statement as quoted by Variety.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is so sad. As a 'Buffy' fan since I was a teenager, Anthony Head was the perfect father figure on that show. He brought such warmth and wisdom to the role. Rest in peace, sir.
Just finished rewatching 'Ted Lasso' last week! He played Rupert with such subtlety - you hated him but couldn't deny his screen presence. Devastating loss for the acting world. What a legacy he leaves behind.
Though I didn't watch much Western TV growing up in India, I later discovered 'Merlin' and was so impressed by his acting as Uther Pendragon. So versatile. Pneumonia taking someone so talented is truly heartbreaking. Om Shanti.
Man, this hits hard. First, he was the kind father figure to Willow and Xander in 'Buffy', then he was the villainous ex-husband in 'Ted Lasso'. Shows incredible range. RIP Anthony Head, you were a legend. 🌹
I wonder how the cast of 'Buffy' is feeling today. His daughters' statement was so beautiful - you can tell he was a wonderful father and a humble man despite all his fame. May his soul rest in peace.
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