Anthony Head, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ actor, dies at 72

British actor Anthony Head, known to generations of American TV viewers through polar opposite characters named Rupert on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has died, his family said Friday.

He was 72.

Head “passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family,” according to a statement from the actor’s daughters to the Press Association news agency.

U.S. television watchers best know him as the father-like mentor Rupert Giles of the supernatural action dramedy “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan.

Only Gellar, Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon appeared in more “Buffy” episodes than Head between 1997 and 2003.

In recent years, Head turned heel as the philandering soccer club owner Rupert Mannion in the Emmy-winning comedy “Ted Lasso.” He played the foil to protagonists Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham from 2020 to 2023.

Before coming to America, Head had a long and successful career in the United Kingdom with a background in both drama and comedy.

He appeared on “Little Britain,” a sketch show that skewered U.K. culture from 2003 and 2006, to frequently parody his dramatic persona.

“I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head,” “Little Britain” creator Matt Lucas said in a statement, posted on X.

“When we were casting Little Britain, we were looking for a ‘Tony Head-type’, because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky us. He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm. My heart goes out to Daisy and Emily.”