Anthony Head, the distinguished British actor celebrated for his roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso," has passed away at the age of 72.

His daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, confirmed the news to the Press Association news agency, stating that his death was due to complications from pneumonia.

This development marks the loss of a versatile performer whose career spanned decades in television, film, and theater.

Head became a familiar face to British audiences in the 1980s through a popular series of Nescafe Gold Blend instant coffee advertisements, which were later adapted for the U.S.

market as Taster's Choice commercials.

However, it was his portrayal of Rupert Giles, the librarian and mentor to the titular character in the cult supernatural series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003), that brought him international acclaim.

More recently, Head captivated new audiences as Rupert Mannion, the antagonist and ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham's character Rebecca, in the acclaimed series "Ted Lasso."

His daughters shared a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the profound grief felt by his family.

"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," they said.

"How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us."

Born in London on February 20, 1954, Anthony Head came from an artistic family; his father, Seafield Head, was a documentary filmmaker, and his mother, Helen Shingler, was an actor.

His older brother, Murray, is also an actor.

Beyond his most famous roles, Head's extensive career included playing Geoffrey Howe in the Oscar-winning film "The Iron Lady," a prime minister in the sketch comedy show "Little Britain," and King Uther Pendragon in the "Merlin" TV series.

He also appeared in "Motherland," "Manchild," and "Silent Witness," alongside numerous stage productions and a music career as a singer.

Head was preceded in death by his longtime partner, animal welfare activist Sarah Fisher, in 2025.