British actor Anthony Head, known for his roles in TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has passed away at the age of 72, his family confirmed on Friday. Head’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, disclosed that the actor had complications from pneumonia.
During the 1980s, Head gained recognition in the UK as one half of a romantic duo in Nescafé instant coffee advertisements, which were 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 popular supernatural series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” from 1997 to 2003.
Most recently, Head portrayed Rupert Mannion, the antagonistic ex-husband of Rebecca on “Ted Lasso.” His daughters expressed their profound sadness at his passing but acknowledged that his legacy would endure through the shows he contributed to and the fans who cherished them.
Born in London on February 20, 1954, to Seafield Head, a documentary filmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actress, Head hailed from an entertainment-oriented family. Notable among his various roles was playing Geoffrey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher portrayed by Meryl Streep in the award-winning film “The Iron Lady.”
Head also had memorable appearances as a prime minister in “Little Britain” and as King Uther Pendragon in the television series “Merlin.” Additionally, he featured in productions like “Motherland,” “Manchild,” and “Silent Witness,” and showcased his singing talents with various music recordings.
In a tragic turn of events, Head’s longtime partner, animal rights activist Sarah Fisher, passed away in 2025 at the age of 61.
