Anthony Head, Buffy Librarian and Versatile Performer, Dies at 72
Anthony Head, Buffy's Rupert Giles, dies at 72 from pneumonia complications.
Event / Entertainment
Anthony Stewart Head Death
British actor Anthony Stewart Head, known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, died on June 5 at age 72 from pneumonia complications. His career spanned theater, music, television, and video games.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Jun, 01:01 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Anthony Head performed as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror stage productions
Anthony Head was an accomplished performer in theater and music. He starred as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a stage production of Rocky Horror in the early 1990s and reprised the role in another production in the early 2000s. He also released a solo single of his rendition of Rocky Horror's "Sweet Transvestite."
Anthony Head survived by two daughters, both actors
Anthony Head is survived by his daughters Emily, age 37, and Daisy, age 35, who both pursued careers as actors. Both daughters announced his death, describing it as an honor and privilege to be his daughters and witness the impact of his life and work.
Anthony Head portrayed villain Rupert Mannion in 'Ted Lasso'
Anthony Head recently played Rupert Mannion, the villainous ex-husband and former owner of A.F.C. Richmond, in the Apple TV series "Ted Lasso."
Actor Anthony Head dies at age 72 from pneumonia complications
Anthony Stewart Head, British actor best known for roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso," died on June 5 at age 72 from complications related to pneumonia. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Anthony Head played librarian Rupert Giles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Anthony Head became widely known in the United States for his role as Rupert Giles, the librarian and mentor to the main character, in the cult-favorite supernatural television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which aired from 1997 to 2003.
Anthony Head appeared in Nescafe instant coffee advertisements in the 1980s
Early in his career, Anthony Head became known to British television audiences in the 1980s as one half of a romantic couple in a series of advertisements for Nescafe instant coffee.
Anthony Head voiced narration for Buffy the Vampire Slayer video games
Anthony Head reprised his role as Rupert Giles for video game adaptations of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." He provided narration for the 2002 Xbox game and again played Giles in the 2003 sequel "Chaos Bleeds." He also voiced the character Reginald Ponsonby-Smythe in "Destroy All Humans! 2."
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives