Buffy and Ted Lasso stars lead tributes to Anthony Head

The actor, best known for his role as Rupert Giles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, has died from complications related to pneumonia.

His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, said in a statement: “His legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them.”

Michelle Gellar, who played the title role in Buffy, led tributes on social media, posting a photo of herself with Head, his daughters, and their Buffy co-star Seth Green.

Gellar said: “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.”

David Boreanaz (Angel) called Head a “kind and generous soul,” while James Marsters (Spike) said his death left a “hole in the world.”

Emma Caulfield (Anya) reflected on 27 years of friendship, describing him as “kind, wise and a guide in troubled times.”

Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, recalled her surprise at meeting Head in person: “He had an earring, Converse high-tops and a pair of loose-fitting, boldly striped pants.

Anthony Head and his daughters Emily (left) and Daisy (right). (Image: PA)

“There wasn’t a trace of Giles to be found, which was a testament to his gifts.”

Head’s career also spanned notable roles in Ted Lasso, where he played former Richmond FC owner Rupert Mannion.

Brett Goldstein, a co-star and writer on the show, said, “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.”

Head also appeared as the Prime Minister in Little Britain.

The show’s co-creator Matt Lucas wrote on X: “Anthony Head was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm.”

In addition to his screen roles, Mr Head played King Uther Pendragon in Merlin.

Screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies said, “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.”

Head first rose to prominence in the UK through the Nescafe Gold Blend television adverts of the late 1980s and early 1990s, starring alongside Sharon Maughan.

Beyond acting, he was also a singer and performer.

He played Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1990 West End revival of The Rocky Horror Show and recorded music, including the album of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer musical episode.

His other credits included Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who, and My Family.

In July 2018, he joined the cast of BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama The Archers.

Head’s long-time partner, animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025 aged 61.

Fisher was a patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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He was also deeply involved in supporting animal charities.

Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, said: “Anthony, alongside his late partner Sarah Fisher, gave so much to our charity, fostering dogs, raising awareness of our work, and supporting our events and fundraisers.

“A true champion for all rescue animals, he will be dearly missed by all of us.”