British actor Anthony Head, recognized for his roles in television series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has passed away at the age of 72, as announced by his family on Friday. The actor’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, revealed to the Press Association news agency that he had complications due to pneumonia.
In the 1980s, Head gained popularity among British TV viewers as part of a romantic duo in Nescafé instant coffee commercials, later adapted for a U.S. audience as Taster’s Choice. He rose to prominence as Rupert Giles, the mentor to the lead character in the beloved supernatural show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which aired from 1997 to 2003.
Recently, Head portrayed the antagonist Rupert Mannion in “Ted Lasso,” the ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character.
Born to a family involved in the entertainment industry, Head was born in London on February 20, 1954, to Seafield Head, a documentary filmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actress. His elder brother, Murray, is also an actor. Notable roles included portraying Geoffrey Howe in “The Iron Lady” and embodying a prime minister on “Little Britain” and King Uther Pendragon in the TV series “Merlin.”
Throughout his career, Head appeared in various productions, including “Motherland,” “Manchild,” and “Silent Witness,” alongside participating in theater and musical performances. Additionally, he was a singer who also recorded music.
In 2025, Head’s partner, animal welfare advocate Sarah Fisher, passed away at the age of 61.
The legacy of Anthony Head lives on through the shows he contributed to and the audiences who cherish them. His daughters expressed gratitude for being able to witness him pursuing his passion even after his passing.
