British actor Anthony Head, known for Buffy and Ted Lasso, dies at 72

6 June 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Anthony Stewart Head, the British actor best known for playing mentor Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and villain Rupert Mannion on Ted Lasso, has died at age 72. According to his family, Head passed away peacefully from complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by loved ones on Friday. Head launched his career in late 1970s British television before becoming an international figure, first through Nescafé Gold Blend commercials in the 1980s, then as a main cast member on Buffy from 1997 to 2003. He gained additional prominence playing the antagonist in Apple TV's Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso from 2020 to 2023. Head also appeared in numerous other productions including The Iron Lady, Doctor Who, and Bridgerton. His death follows the loss of his longtime partner, animal welfare advocate Sarah Fisher, who died in December 2025. Cast members from both shows have paid tribute to Head, describing him as kind, generous, and beloved by colleagues despite often playing villainous characters on screen.