Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head dies aged 72
Anthony Head, the actor who played the iconic role of Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 72.
The last few years have been a tragic time for the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Michelle Trachtenberg and Nicholas Brendan both having passed away in the last 18 months.
In addition to his role as Giles, Head is well known for an iconic cameo performance in Doctor Who during David Tennant's era, a supporting role in Ted Lasso, Feel Good, and as Arthur's father in the TV show Merlin.
Head's death was confirmed by his daughters Emily and Daisy Head in a statement, saying: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.
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“He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family. 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.
“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.”
Anthony's partner, Sarah Fisher, died in December of last year. His brother, Murray Head, is an Oscar nominated actor for Sunday Bloody Sunday where he played Bob Elkin.
His daughters, Emily and Daisy, both are actors, with Emily famously playing the character of Carli in The Inbetweeners.
Several of Head's co-stars have already shared their tributes on social media:
David Boreanaz - Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Anthony was a pillar in the Buffy universe and his kindness and sense of humour brought great energy to the set and the first time I met him," read a statement from Boreanaz, issued to LADbible via a representative. "Prayers go out to his family."
James Marsters - Spike, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"There’s a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us.
"He was an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor in the cast. He was the best of us.
"I was lucky to have known, and learned from him. He left the world a better place for his presence.
"Thank you Tony for all you gave."
Emma Caulfield - Anya, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Sharing a picture of herself with Head on Instagram, Caulfield wrote: "This was taken on the London Underground in 2011. I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of The Iron Lady.
"We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day.
"There were many of these moments with this amazing human who I was lucky enough to call my friend for 27 years.
"He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption.
"You are so missed. Rest in peace with your beautiful Sarah - Emma."
Eliza Dushku - Faith, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Tony H. For every scene and time shared, I give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one."
Julie Benz - Darla, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"I didn't know him well, but every interaction I had with him was met with kindness, generosity, and a great sense of humour.
"A truly lovely human. Sending love to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him."
Brett Goldstein - Roy Kent, Ted Lasso
"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. Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family."
Matt Lucas - Little Britain
"I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head. 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."
Russell T. Davies - Doctor Who showrunner
"That’s ridiculously sad, what a lovely man. Oh, he could twinkle. So wise, so kind, so classy.
"I worked with him on Doctor Who, and on Merlin (I helped with early development on that, I suggested that magic should be illegal) and he was an absolute delight.
"In Doctor Who, he had a face-off with K9 and had the immortal line, “Forget the shooty dog thing.” Now look, that’s a glorious line, but requires a deep breath for a grown man. I muttered to him quietly, “Do you mind the shooty dog line?” He said, “Mind?! I think it’s wonderful!” And so was he.
"Also, he spoke always about his daughters with such love and joy, what a wonderful dad. Love and sympathy to Emily, Daisy, family and friends, he’ll be missed and remembered across the world. Good night, sir."
Fans were also devastated by the news, with one tweeting: "There's no f*cking way," with a crying emoji.
Back in 2020, Head had expressed interest in returning as Giles in a possible spin-off, calling the role 'formative'.
He said he 'wouldn’t know what as' if he were to return, adding: "Maybe I’m the head of the Watcher’s council now. But to be honest, of course I would. It was so formative."
A sequel series had a pilot filmed, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning, but this was ultimately canned by Hulu and Head was not set to return.
Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film, TV
Michael Slavin