Tributes Pour In for Iconic Actor Anthony Head Following His Passing
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Anthony Head, the celebrated actor best known for his roles in the cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the critically acclaimed comedy Ted Lasso. Head passed away at the age of 72.
His death comes just six months after the passing of his partner, Sarah Fisher, an animal therapist and rights campaigner, who died at 61 from thyroid cancer.
A Cherished Career Remembered
Co-stars and colleagues have shared heartfelt messages remembering Head’s talent and warmth. David Boreanaz, who starred alongside Head as Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a photograph of the actor, writing, “RIP, he was so kind and generous of a soul.”
Matt Lucas, who worked with Head on the sketch comedy series Little Britain, expressed his deep sadness. “I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head,” Lucas stated. “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.”
Family Shares Devastating News
A statement released by Head’s daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, confirmed his passing. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” they shared. “He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”
The daughters 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. 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.”
From Librarian to Villain: A Diverse Range
Head achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of librarian Rupert Giles in the supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003. More recently, he captivated audiences as the unscrupulous Rupert Mannion in the Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, serving as a formidable antagonist to Hannah Waddingham’s character.
Brett Goldstein, a co-star on Ted Lasso, paid tribute on social media, noting, “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.”
A Career Spanning Decades
Head’s extensive acting credits also include playing the Prime Minister in Little Britain, opposite David Walliams, and the tyrannical Uther Pendragon in the BBC’s adaptation of Merlin.
His distinctive baritone voice also made him a familiar presence in the UK during the 1980s, particularly through his appearances in the Nescafe Gold Blend television advertisements. Alongside Sharon Maughan, he was part of a memorable advertising campaign that depicted a slow-burning romance over coffee, running from 1987 to 1993.
Head’s family has a strong connection to the arts. His father was film producer Seafield Laurence Stewart Murray Head, his mother was actress Helen Shingler, and his brother is actor and singer Murray Head.
While Buffy the Vampire Slayer cemented his fame in the United States, Head’s career extended to numerous other projects. He appeared in shows such as Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who, and My Family, as well as the film Repo! The Genetic Opera. He also took on a role in BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama The Archers in 2018.
Beyond acting, Head was also a singer, participating in West End productions and recording music, including contributions to the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and his own solo work.
Legacy and Family
Sarah Fisher, who passed away in December, was a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, serving as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and a patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary. She also managed Tilley Farm, a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Head’s daughters, Emily and Daisy, have also established careers in acting. Emily is recognized for her role in the sitcom The Inbetweeners, while Daisy has appeared in productions like Harlots, Shadow And Bone, and The Gray House. His brother, Murray Head, is an actor known for his role in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday and for the song “One Night In Bangkok.”
