UK2 min(s) read
Published 15:55 05 Jun 2026 GMT
Anthony Head, best known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has sadly died at the age of 72.
News of the late star's death was confirmed in an emotional statement released by his family.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father," they said, per BBC News. "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."
Daughters Emily and Daisy confirmed the actor passed away "peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family".
Head enjoyed a long and successful acting career across television and film.
He rose to international fame in the late 1990s as Rupert Giles, Buffy Summers' trusted mentor and Watcher in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The role made him a fan favorite and introduced him to a global audience.
Following his success on Buffy, he continued to land major television roles, appearing in the hit sketch comedy series Little Britain before taking on the role of King Uther Pendragon in the BBC fantasy drama Merlin.
More recently, a new generation of viewers came to know him as Rupert Mannion, the former football club owner in the award-winning comedy Ted Lasso.
His extensive list of credits also included roles in The Iron Lady, Persuasion, The Inbetweeners, and Manchild.
In the family's statement, Head's family said they were grateful to have watched him spend his life doing what he loved.
"We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans of the show he was in," they said, adding that he "loved his job very much" and "always considered himself incredibly lucky".
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