Actor Anthony Head, Known for 'Buffy' and 'Ted Lasso,' Dies at 72

British actor Anthony Head died at the age of 72 from complications of pneumonia, his daughters, Emily and Daisy, announced this evening (Friday). In a statement, they said Head "passed away peacefully with his family around him."

Head gained widespread international fame in the late 1990s for his role as Rupert Giles in the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." In Britain, he had been well known even earlier, including as the face of Nescafe coffee advertisements that aired in the 1980s and 1990s. Head, second from left, with the stars of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Alison Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nicholas Brendon, 1997 (Photo: Getty Images)

Throughout his career, Head appeared in many television shows, including "Little Britain," "Merlin", in which he played King Uther Pendragon, and more recently the comedy-drama "Ted Lasso," where he portrayed Rupert Mannion. His most recent appearances included a guest role in "Bridgerton" and participation in the BBC Radio 4 radio drama "The Archers." In addition to his screen work, Head had a long stage career and appeared in musicals including "The Rocky Horror Show," "Godspell" and "Chess." Head with his daughters in Los Angeles, 2003 (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Head is survived by two daughters, Emily and Daisy, both actresses. His partner for many years, animal rights activist Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025. Head was the younger brother of actor and singer Murray Head.

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