Bath actor Anthony Head dies aged 72 as tributes pour in

Bath-based actor Anthony Head, best known to millions around the world as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72.

His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, confirmed that he passed away peacefully following complications from pneumonia, surrounded by his family. 

While audiences knew him for a career spanning more than four decades, Head was also a familiar figure in Bath, where he lived for many years with his longtime partner Sarah Fisher. The couple were well known locally through their work at Tilley Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to rescued animals. Fisher herself passed away in December 2025. 

Born in London in 1954, Anthony Head enjoyed a distinguished career across stage and screen. Alongside his iconic role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he appeared in a wide range of popular productions including Little Britain, Merlin, Motherland, The Iron Lady, The Inbetweeners Movie and, more recently, the award-winning comedy Ted Lasso. 

In a statement, his daughters paid tribute to a father whose work touched generations of viewers, describing it as both an honour and a privilege to be his daughters and witness the impact he had on audiences around the world. 

Tributes have begun to pour in from colleagues, friends and fans, many reflecting on his warmth, humour and remarkable screen presence. For Bath residents, however, Anthony Head was not simply a television star. He was also a valued member of the local community whose connection to the city stretched far beyond the screen.

Anthony Head was 72.