Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors Late Buffy Co-Star Anthony Head with Emotional Tribute
British actor Anthony Head, best known for playing mentor Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at age 72 from complications due to pneumonia. His family confirmed his death on Friday. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred opposite Head on the show for seven seasons, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram featuring throwback photos. She quoted the series finale, writing Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm okay, before adding that she herself isn't okay but considers herself lucky to have known him. Gellar thanked Head's daughters Daisy and Emily for sharing their father with her and the world. Other Buffy cast members including James Marsters, David Boreanaz, and Alyson Hannigan also shared heartfelt remembrances, highlighting Head's kindness and his significant impact on the show that ran from 1997 to 2003.
Key facts
- Anthony Head died June 1, 2026 at age 72 from pneumonia complications
- Head played Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 1997 to 2003
- Sarah Michelle Gellar posted an Instagram tribute using a Season 5 finale quote from the show
- Head also starred in Ted Lasso as Rupert Mannion and appeared in films including The Iron Lady
- His daughters Emily and Daisy confirmed his death and said he died peacefully surrounded by family
Limits of this briefing
This is a non-political cultural story where major outlets share essentially the same respectful, factual coverage. No meaningful partisan perspectives exist on this topic.
Sources
- E! News: Sarah Michelle Gellar Pays Tribute to Late Buffy Costar Anthony Head Centre
- ABC News: Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute to 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' co-star Anthony Head Centre
- HuffPost: 'I'm Not OK': Sarah Michelle Gellar Mourns Death Of Her 'Buffy' Co-Star Anthony Head Left
- The Hill: Anthony Head, 'Ted Lasso' and 'Buffy' actor, dies at 72 Centre
- NBC News: Anthony Head, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Ted Lasso' actor, dies at 72 Centre