The actor’s death sparked tributes from former 'Buffy' costars and colleagues across Hollywood, including Brett Goldstein and Matt Lucas
Credit: 20th Century Fox Television/Kobal/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Anthony Head’s daughters confirmed his death at age 72 on Friday, June 5, sharing a message about his legacy and impact
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer stars James Marsters, David Boreanaz and Clare Kramer shared heartfelt tributes to their late costar
- Ted Lasso actor Brett Goldstein and Little Britain creator Matt Lucas also remembered Head’s kindness, talent and lasting impact
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast is paying tribute to Anthony Head after news of his death at age 72 on Friday, June 5.
James Marsters, who played Spike on the beloved supernatural drama, remembered Head as a guiding presence both on and off screen.
“There’s a hole in the world. Anthony Head has passed on from us,” Marsters wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Clare Kramer, who portrayed Glory in the series, also shared a heartfelt tribute.
“Rest in Peace, Anthony. To know you was a pleasure. To work with you an honor,” she wrote on Instagram. “Through Giles, you gave us bravery without fearlessness, and compassion without weakness — an exemplary performance (and one of many). My condolences to your girls, family, and all who had the pleasure of loving you. Rest easy, Watcher.”
David Boreanaz, who played Angel in the series, honored his former costar on Instagram Stories.
“RIP. He was so kind and generous of a soul,” Boreanaz wrote.
Credit: Getty
Head’s Ted Lasso costar Brett Goldstein also reflected on the actor’s warmth and talent.
“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 on Instagram Stories. “Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”
Meanwhile, Little Britain creator Matt Lucas recalled casting Head in the sketch comedy series.
“I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head,” Lucas wrote on X. “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.”
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Head’s daughters, Daisy and Emily, confirmed his death in a statement to the Press Association, per BBC and The Independent. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father,” they said. “He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”
His death comes six months after his longtime partner, Sarah Fisher, died at age 61.
They continued, “It has been, and forever will be, an honor and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many.” His family added that “his legacy will live on” and said they felt fortunate to have watched him do what he loved throughout his career.
Head first found fame in the U.K. in the 1980s as the face of Nescafé television commercials before becoming best known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso and Merlin. He also enjoyed a lengthy stage career, appearing in multiple productions of The Rocky Horror Show as well as musicals like Godspell and Chess.
Credit: ames Sorenson/20th Century Fox Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
On Buffy, Head starred as Rupert Giles, the Watcher, mentor and father figure to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s titular hero, Buffy Summers. He appeared in 121 episodes during its run from 1997 to 2003.
Head remained close with many of his Buffy castmates over the years. His daughters noted that they knew “how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the shows he was in,” adding that he “loved his job very much” and “always considered himself incredibly lucky.”
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Among Head’s final acting credits was a guest appearance in season 2 of Bridgerton in 2022. His last screen role came in the 2024 rom-com Upgraded, starring Camila Mendes and Marisa Tomei.
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