Anthony Head, ‘Buffy’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ Actor, Dies at 72

Anthony Head, a British actor best known for his roles in TV shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin, and Little Britain, has died at the age of 72. In the late 1990s, Head rose to international recognition as Rupert Giles on the supernatural teen programme Buffy. He also played the prime minister in Little Britain, King Uther Pendragon in Merlin, and former football club owner Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso.

His daughters Emily and Daisy confirmed that he died peacefully of pneumonia complications, surrounded by family. According to their statement, “it is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father”. They added: “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 also stated that they know “how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans of the show he was in”, and that he “loved his job very much” and “always considered himself incredibly lucky”. His family noted that “his legacy will live on” and that they were “lucky” to have witnessed him doing what he loved throughout his career.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who plays the eponymous Buffy, shared photos of herself with Head on Instagram. “Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m fine.” I don’t have everything worked out, and I’m not doing well. “But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you,” she wrote. “Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world.” David Boreanaz, who co-starred with Head in Buffy, said, “RIP. He was such a”