Hollywood mourns the loss of Antoine Head. Following news that the beloved “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso” actor had passed away at the age of 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 long-term partner, animal therapist and animal rights activist Sarah Fisher, who died of thyroid cancer at age 61.
David Boreanaz remembers Anthony Head as a ‘kind’ soul
Among the first to respond publicly was David Boreanaz, Head’s former co-star in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” who played vampire-turned-hero Angel in the iconic supernatural series.
Boreanaz shared a photo of Head on social media and paid tribute to his late comrade with a heartfelt message. “RIP, he had such a kind and generous soul,” the actor wrote.
Head played Rupert Giles, the beloved librarian and mentor to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers, during the show’s seven seasons, 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 Pay Tribute to Anthony Head
Other members of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” cast also shared touching tributes to Head, remembering him not only as a talented actor but also as a deeply kind presence behind the scenes. James Marsters, who plays fan-favorite vampire Spike, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram while reflecting on Head’s lasting impact.
“There is a hole in the world. Anthony Head has left us,” Marsters wrote. “He was a constant, kind presence on the set of ‘Buffy,’ and he was the best actor in the cast. He was the best of us.”
The actor then reflected on the lessons he learned from Head during their years together. “I was fortunate to know him and learn from him,” Marsters continued. “He left the world a better place because of his presence. Thank you Tony for everything you gave.”
Meanwhile, Emma Caulfield, who played 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, went to a record store, had dinner, had drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day.”
She continued: “There were many of those moments with this incredible 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. We miss you so much. Rest in peace with your beautiful Sarah-Emma.”
Matt Lucas reflects on his collaboration with Anthony Head
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas also paid tribute to Head, remembering the late actor’s warmth and generosity during their collaboration on “Little Britain.” “I am very sad to hear of the passing of Tony Head,” Lucas wrote. “When we cast ‘Little Britain’ we were looking for a ‘Tony Head guy’ because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky for us.”
Lucas later praised Head’s character backstage. “He was still so bright, still so kind and warm,” he added. “My heart goes out to Daisy and Emily.”
Head played the Prime Minister in Little Britain, with Sebastian, David Walliams’ desperately devoted assistant.
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 in the hit Apple TV+ series, 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 talent because he was the best person,” Goldstein wrote. “Endlessly charming, kind, fun and joyful,” he continued. “He will be greatly missed. Love to his family.”
Head most recently appeared in “Ted Lasso” as the manipulative Rupert Mannion, former owner of AFC Richmond and ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca Welton.
Anthony Head passed away peacefully at 72
Head died “peacefully from 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 passing of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” the sisters said.
The moving statement continued: “We know how much he will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues and fans of the shows he was on. He loved his work very much and always considered himself incredibly lucky to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people, in such wonderful productions, during a career that spanned several decades.
The family has also requested privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. Head’s death comes during an already devastating chapter for the family, following the death in December of Sarah Fisher, with whom he shared daughters Emily and Daisy.
