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Anthony Head’s daughters said they know his legacy will live on in the shows he was a part of. ITV News reporter Charlie Frost looks back at his life
Anthony Head, known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 72.
The British actor died from complications due to pneumonia, his daughters Emily and Daisy Head said in a statement shared on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” they said.
“He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family. 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.
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“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.
“Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them.
“How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us.
“We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
The actor’s long-time partner Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025 aged 61 Credit: PA
American actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the title role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, led the tributes to her co-star, sharing a photo of herself with Mr Head, his daughters and their Buffy co-star Seth Green on Instagram.
She also included images of her and Head through the years, including a memorable scene during which Buffy asks Giles whether life gets any easier.
Gellar wrote: “‘Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok’. 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.“Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to Anthony Head in a post on Instagram. Credit: Instagram / @sarahmgellar
Among the Buffy cast remembering Head, David Boreanaz, who played Angel, described his co-star as a “kind and generous soul”, while James Marsters – the punk-rock vampire Spike – said the death left a “hole in the world”.
Emma Caulfield, who played reformed demon Anya in Buffy, reflected on their 27 years of friendship as she hailed him as “kind, wise and a guide in troubled times”.
Mr Head’s co-stars from the Ted Lasso series also paid tribute to the actor.
Brett Goldstein, who plays the role of Roy Kent and is a writer on the show, remembered him as “infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy”, adding: “Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person.“He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas, who starred alongside Mr Head in Little Britain wrote on X that Head was “unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm”.
Mr Head also played King Uther Pendragon, the father of Prince Arthur, in Merlin, where he worked alongside award-winning screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies.
Davies remembered Head as an “absolute delight”, writing: “He spoke always about his daughters with such love and joy, what a wonderful dad.
“Love and sympathy to Emily, Daisy, family and friends, he’ll be missed and remembered across the world. Good night, sir.”
Mr Head played former Richmond FC owner Rupert Mannion, the ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in football comedy Ted Lasso, and librarian Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which ran from 1997 to 2003.
His other notable roles include the Prime Minister in Little Britain, Bill in the BBC’s Motherland and Uther Pendragon, the father of Prince Arthur, in Merlin.
Known for his distinctive baritone voice, Mr Head first rose to fame in the UK in the 1980s in the Nescafé Gold Blend television adverts.
He was one half of the Gold Blend couple, alongside Sharon Maughan, who began a slow-burning romance over a cup of coffee.
The ads, which ran from 1987 to 1993, are one of the best-known examples of serialised advertising.
Mr Head’s role in Buffy made him famous in the United States, but he left the regular cast during the show’s sixth season, only appearing as a guest star until the series concluded.
He also acted in Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who and My Family, as well as the film Repo! The Genetic Opera.
In July 2018, he joined the cast of BBC Radio 4 long-running drama The Archers, playing Robin Fairbrother.
Anthony Head with his daughters Emily (left) and Daisy at the European Premiere of The Iron Lady in 2012 Credit: PA
He was also a singer, appearing in the West End and recording music, including the album of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode, as well as solo endeavours.
Mr Head’s long-time partner, animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025 aged 61.
Ms Fisher was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.
Their daughters, Emily and Daisy, are both actresses.
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