Beloved Actor Anthony Head Passes Away at 72

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor Anthony Head, who has died at the age of 72. Head was widely recognized for his iconic roles in the cult classic television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer and the acclaimed comedy Ted Lasso. His passing comes just six months after the death of his long-time partner, animal therapist and rights campaigner Sarah Fisher, who succumbed to thyroid cancer at 61.

Heartfelt Tributes from Co-stars and Colleagues

Tributes have flooded in from prominent figures in the industry who knew and admired Head. David Boreanaz, who starred alongside Head as Angel in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, shared a poignant photograph of the actor, writing, “RIP, he was so kind and generous of a soul.”

Matt Lucas, who collaborated with Head on the sketch comedy series Little Britain, expressed his deep sadness. “I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head,” Lucas stated. “When we were casting Little Britain, we were looking for a ‘Tony Head-type,’ because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky us. He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm. My heart goes out to Daisy and Emily.”

Brett Goldstein, a fellow actor in Ted Lasso, also paid homage on social media. “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,” Goldstein wrote. “Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”

A Statement from His Daughters

Head’s daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, released a joint statement reflecting on their father’s legacy. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” they shared. “He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”

They continued, “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. 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.”

The sisters added, “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.”

A Storied Career in Television and Beyond

Anthony Head is perhaps most famously remembered as the stern yet caring librarian Rupert Giles in the beloved US supernatural drama Buffy The Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003. More recently, he portrayed the formidable Rupert Mannion, the former owner of the fictional football club Richmond AFC, in the Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso, often serving as a foil to Hannah Waddingham’s character.

His extensive television credits also include notable roles such as the Prime Minister in Little Britain, opposite David Walliams, and the tyrannical Uther Pendragon in the BBC’s adaptation of Merlin. Head’s distinctive baritone voice also graced productions like Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who, and My Family.

He first gained significant recognition in the UK during the 1980s for his appearances in the iconic Nescafe Gold Blend television advertisements. Paired with Sharon Maughan, their slow-burning on-screen romance became a memorable feature of advertising from 1987 to 1993.

Head’s theatrical career was also noteworthy, with appearances in the West End and contributions to music, including recordings for the musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and his own solo projects.

Family Legacy in the Arts

Anthony Head hailed from a family with deep ties to the arts. His father was film producer Seafield Laurence Stewart Murray Head, and his mother was actress Helen Shingler. His brother, Murray Head, is also a well-known actor and singer, recognized for his role in the Oscar-nominated film Sunday Bloody Sunday and the hit song “One Night In Bangkok.”

His daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, have followed in his footsteps. Emily is recognized for her role in the E4 sitcom The Inbetweeners, while Daisy has appeared in series such as Harlots, Shadow And Bone, and The Gray House.

A Dedicated Partner and Animal Advocate

The passing of his partner, Sarah Fisher, a devoted animal therapist and rights campaigner, marked a significant personal loss for Head. Fisher was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and a patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, and she managed Tilley Farm, a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.

In a 2016 interview, Head credited Fisher with enabling his successful five-year run working in Los Angeles for Buffy The Vampire Slayer, despite their young daughters at the time. He reflected, “I owe an enormous amount to Sarah. She knew I’d always wanted to work in America and when I got the chance, she said, go for it, I’ll hold the fort here.” He acknowledged the immense opportunities it provided but also the personal challenges of being away from his family.

Anthony Head’s contributions to television, film, and music have left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues, fans, and loved ones.