Hollywood is mourning the loss of Anthony Head. Following news that the beloved “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso” actor died at age 72, an outpouring of tributes quickly flooded social media, with former co-stars and friends reflecting on the impact he had both on and off screen.
Anthony Head’s death comes just six months after the loss of his longtime partner, animal therapist and animal rights advocate Sarah Fisher, who died of thyroid cancer at age 61.
Among the first to publicly react was Head’s former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz, who played vampire-turned-hero Angel on the iconic supernatural series.
Boreanaz shared a photo of Head on social media and paid tribute to his late castmate with a heartfelt message. “RIP, he was so kind and generous of a soul,” the actor wrote.
Head famously portrayed Rupert Giles, the beloved librarian and mentor to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers, during the show’s seven-season run from 1997 to 2003. The role helped cement Head as a fan favorite in the United States after first finding fame in the United Kingdom.
More ‘Buffy’ Stars Honor Anthony Head
Additional “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” cast members also shared emotional tributes to Head, remembering him not only as a talented actor but as a deeply kind presence behind the scenes. James Marsters, who portrayed fan-favorite vampire Spike, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram while reflecting on Head’s lasting impact.
“There’s a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us,” Marsters wrote. “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.”
The actor went on to reflect on the lessons he learned from Head during their years working together. “I was lucky to have known, and learned from him,” Marsters continued. “He left the world a better place for his presence. Thank you Tony for all you gave.”
Meanwhile, Emma Caulfield, who portrayed fan-favorite demon-turned-human Anya Jenkins, shared a deeply personal memory alongside a photo of the late actor. “This was taken on the London Underground in 2011. I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of ‘The Iron Lady,’” Caulfield wrote. “We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day.”
She continued, “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.”
Matt Lucas Reflects On Working With Anthony Head
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas also honored Head, remembering the late actor’s warmth and generosity during their time working together on “Little Britain.” “I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head,” Lucas wrote. “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.”
Lucas went on to praise Head’s character behind the scenes. “He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm,” he added. “My heart goes out to Daisy and Emily.”
Head portrayed the Prime Minister in Little Britain, starring opposite David Walliams’ hopelessly devoted assistant Sebastian.
Brett Goldstein Shares Emotional Tribute To ‘Ted Lasso’ Villain
Head’s “Ted Lasso” co-star Brett Goldstein also paid tribute to the actor, reflecting on the contrast between Head’s villainous on-screen persona and his real-life personality. Goldstein, who played fan-favorite Roy Kent on the Apple TV+ hit, praised Head for bringing complexity to the role of Rupert Mannion.
“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. “Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy,” he continued. “He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”
Head most recently appeared in “Ted Lasso” as the manipulative Rupert Mannion, the former owner of AFC Richmond and ex-husband to Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca Welton.
Anthony Head Died Peacefully At 72
Head died “peacefully of complications due to pneumonia,” according to a statement shared Friday by his daughters, actresses Emily Head and Daisy Head. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” the sisters said.
The emotional statement continued, “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.”
The family also requested privacy as they navigate the heartbreaking loss. Head’s death arrives during an already devastating chapter for the family, following the December death of Sarah Fisher, with whom he shared daughters Emily and Daisy.