Anthony Head, the British actor best known for playing Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at age 72. He passed away peacefully from complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his daughters Emily and Daisy Head.
Head portrayed the school librarian and mentor to Sarah Michelle Gellar's vampire slayer throughout the series' seven-season run from 1997 to 2003. His character Giles served as a father figure and guide to Buffy Summers, providing wisdom and emotional support as she battled vampires and demons. The role made him a beloved figure among fans of the supernatural drama.
Following the news, Head's former castmates shared tributes. Gellar posted on Instagram, beginning with a quote from her Buffy character: "Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok." She continued, "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."
Head was born in Camden, London, to artistic parents. His father was a documentary filmmaker who founded Verity Films, while his mother was an actor who appeared in the BBC crime drama Maigret. His brother was also an actor known for his lead role in the 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Head began his professional career on stage, starring in the 1978 West End revival of Godspell. He appeared in various film and television projects throughout the 1980s, including the 1981 adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover and the 1987 film A Prayer for the Dying alongside Bob Hoskins and Liam Neeson. He also sang backing vocals for the British pop group Red Box and was featured on their 1986 debut album.
In the UK and US, Head became well-known for his role in Nescafé's Gold Blend television advertisements. On stage, he took the leading role as Freddie Trumper in the original West End production of the Abba musical Chess in 1988 and performed in productions of A Patriot for Me and Lady Windermere's Fan. He also starred as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1990 West End production of The Rocky Horror Show.
While filming Buffy in Los Angeles, Head spent five years separated from his partner Sarah and two daughters who remained in England. He attempted to return home every three or four weeks whenever possible.
Beyond Buffy, Head appeared in the BBC sketch show Little Britain and the BBC production of Merlin. More recently, he played former football club owner Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso, where he received praise for his on-screen chemistry with co-star Jason Sudeikis.
His daughters said in a statement that Head "loved his job very much and always considered himself incredibly lucky to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people." They noted that his legacy will continue through the shows he appeared in and the audiences who love them.