Actor Anthony Head dies aged 72, his family announce

The star, best known for his role as Rupert Giles in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died from complications due to pneumonia.

In a statement, daughters Emily and Daisy Head said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.

“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.”

Mr Head was also known for his roles in Ted Lasso, Merlin, and Little Britain, as well as an appearance in Doctor Who.

He played Rupert Mannion, the former owner of Richmond FC, in Ted Lasso, and Uther Pendragon in the BBC fantasy series Merlin.

The family statement added: “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.”

Life and career of Anthony Head as star dies aged 72

Anthony Head rose to fame in the 1980s through a series of iconic Nescafe Gold Blend TV adverts, in which he starred opposite Sharon Maughan.

The ads are one of the best-known examples of serialised advertising.

His career spanned decades and genres, with appearances in Silent Witness, Spooks, and My Family, too.

He also starred in the film Repo! The Genetic Opera and took on roles in radio drama, joining BBC Radio 4’s The Archers in 2018 as Robin Fairbrother.

Outside of acting, he was a singer and performer in the West End and contributed vocally to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode.

He also released solo musical works throughout his career.

Mr Head’s long-time partner, Sarah Fisher, an animal welfare campaigner, died in December 2025 at the age of 61.

He is survived by his daughters Emily and Daisy, both of whom have followed in his footsteps to become actresses.

Emily is known for her role as Carli D’Amato in the beloved sitcom The Inbetweeners, while Daisy has appeared in Harlots, Shadow And Bone, and The Gray House.

HHis brother, Murray Head, is also an actor and musician, best recognised for his role in Sunday Bloody Sunday and for singing the hit single One Night In Bangkok from the musical Chess.