British actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family on Friday. Head’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, disclosed to the Press Association news agency that the actor had complications from pneumonia.
Head rose to fame in the 1980s with a memorable role in a series of Nescafé instant coffee commercials in the UK, later adapted for the American audience as Taster’s Choice. He gained widespread recognition as Rupert Giles, the mentor to the main character in the popular supernatural TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which aired from 1997 to 2003.
In his most recent work, Head portrayed Rupert Mannion, the antagonistic ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in the acclaimed series “Ted Lasso.” His daughters expressed their deep sorrow over his passing but highlighted that his legacy will endure through the shows he contributed to and the viewers who cherish them.
Born into 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. Noteworthy among his diverse roles was his portrayal of Geoffrey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in the award-winning film “The Iron Lady.”
Head also depicted a prime minister on the comedy series “Little Britain” and played King Uther Pendragon in the TV series “Merlin.” His career spanned appearances in various productions such as “Motherland,” “Manchild,” and “Silent Witness,” along with stage performances and musical recordings. In 2025, he sadly lost his longtime partner, animal rights advocate Sarah Fisher, at the age of 61.
