Anthony Head, the distinguished British actor whose career spanned decades and included iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72. His family announced his passing Friday, citing complications from pneumonia.
Head's daughters, Emily and Daisy, both actresses themselves, released a statement obtained by the BBC: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father." They added that he "passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family."
Born in London on February 20, 1954, to documentary filmmaker Seafield Head and actress Helen Shingler, Head began his acting career in the late 1970s with roles in British television and theater. His breakthrough came in the late 1990s when he was cast as Rupert Giles, the scholarly Watcher and mentor to the titular heroine in the cult hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The role catapulted him to international fame and cemented his status as a fan favorite.
More recently, Head portrayed Rupert Mannion, the suave and manipulative ex-husband of Rebecca Welton (played by Hannah Waddingham) in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. The show, which ran from 2020 to 2023, earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. Head's character, a former football club owner, added a layer of dramatic tension to the comedy-drama.
His other notable roles included playing Geoffrey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in the Oscar-winning film The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep. He also portrayed a prime minister in the sketch comedy series Little Britain and took on the role of King Uther Pendragon, father of Prince Arthur, in the fantasy series Merlin. His extensive resume includes appearances in Motherland, Manchild, and Silent Witness, as well as numerous stage productions, musicals, and music recordings as a singer.
Head's daughters, Emily—known for her role as Carli D'Amato in The Inbetweeners—and Daisy, who starred in Freeform's Guilt and Hulu's Harlots, expressed their grief in their statement. "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," they said. They noted "how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the show he was in," adding that he "loved his job very much" and "always considered himself incredibly lucky."
Head's longtime partner, animal welfare activist Sarah Fisher, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 61. The actor is survived by his daughters, who continue his legacy in the entertainment industry.
His death adds to a series of recent losses in the acting world, including Welsh actor Owain Rhys Davies, known for Twin Peaks and The OA, who died at 44. The entertainment community continues to mourn the passing of talented performers whose work has left a lasting impact.
