The actor died on Friday after suffering “complications due to pneumonia,” a statement from his family read.

*Buffy the Vampire Slayer *stars remember Anthony Head: ‘A truly good human being’

The actor died on Friday after suffering "complications due to pneumonia," a statement from his family read.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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June 5, 2026 5:11 p.m. ET

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Anthony Head in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. Credit:

Jeffrey Thurnher/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett

- Anthony Head's *Buffy *costars are paying tribute to the actor who died on Friday at 72.

- Sarah Michelle Gellar shared several photos on Instagram, writing in part, "I know I'm the lucky one because I knew you."

- Costar James Masters called Head "the best of us."

Anthony Head's *Buffy the Vampire Slayer** *costars are remembering the actor after his death.

Head, who died on Friday at 72, portrayed librarian Rupert Giles in the beloved series, a character who was a surrogate father to Buffy, Xander, and Willow.

"He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family," Head's daughters, Emily and Daisy, said in a statement shared with the BBC. "It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many."

His daughters added they realize "how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the show he was in," that he "loved his job very much" and "always considered himself incredibly lucky."

His *Buffy *costars took to social media to pay tribute to Head with favorite photos and memories of Head.

Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green, Anthony Head, Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, and Juliet Landau.

Stephen Donelian/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett

Sarah Michelle Gellar posted several pictures with Head, sharing a poignant *Buffy *quote. "Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok," she began her Instagram caption. "Well I don't have it figured out and I'm not ok. But I know I'm the lucky one because I knew you. Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world."

Charisma Carpenter, who appeared as Cordelia on *Buffy* memorialized Head, saying he "brought life to a character who, for so many, was the father figure they needed but didn't have at home. Fans far and wide are surely grieving, and for that, I am deeply sorry."

"Tony was an icon long before I met him on set, something I came to appreciate fully as a young actress new to the business after being cast as Cordelia," Carpenter continued. "How fortunate I was to have worked with someone of his caliber and talent."

She also recalled their first encounter and being "completely thrown off by his hippie-vibe demeanor, with a touch of punk-rock flair." "He had an earring, Converse high-tops, and a pair of loose-fitting, boldly striped pants. There wasn't a trace of Giles to be found, which was a testament to his gifts."

Carpenter added, "Tony was incredibly kind to everyone and to every living thing. In fact, when ants once overtook my trailer at work, I asked the teamsters if they had any Raid to kill them. Tony suggested asking the ants to leave instead. I mean it when I say he respected every living thing. I can't think of a finer example of a truly good human being."

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James Marsters, who portrayed Spike, shared a picture of him and Head. "There's a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us. He was an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor in the cast," Marsters captioned his Instagram tribute.

"He was the best of us. I was lucky to have known, and learned from him. He left the world a better place for his presence. Thank you Tony for all you gave."

Clare Kramer, known for her role as Glory, also shared a picture online. "Rest in Peace, Anthony. To know you was a pleasure. To work with you an honor," she wrote. "Through Giles, you gave us bravery without fearlessness, and compassion without weakness — an exemplary performance (and one of many). My condolences to your girls, family, and all who had the pleasure of loving you. Rest easy, Watcher."

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Emma Caulfield, who was Anya on *Buffy*, shared a selfie of her and Head from 2011 on the London Underground. "I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of *The Iron Lady*. We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day," she captioned the picture.

"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.”

Anthony Head in London in November 2016.

Jeff Spicer/Getty

David Boreanaz, who appeared as Angel, posted on his Instagram Stories. “RIP. He was so kind and generous of a soul," he said. Eliza Dushku, who played Faith on the supernatural series, wrote on her Instagram Stories, “Tony H, for every scene and timed shared, give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one.”

Along with *Buffy*, Head was known for his roles on television series *Ted Lasso*, *Dominion*, *Merlin*, and *You, Me & Them*. His film credits include *The Iron Lady*, *Ghostrider: Spirit of Vengeance*, and the 2007 television movie *Persuasion.*

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