Yesterday, it was announced that actor Anthony Head had passed away, aged 72. The news of the entertainer's death, known for starring in hit shows Ted Lasso and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was shared by his daughters in a heartfelt statement. They wrote: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head. He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family."
Anthony's children continued, adding that "it has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed first-hand the impact both he and his work have had on so many.
"We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the shows he was in – he loved his job very much and he always considered himself incredibly lucky to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people, in such wonderful productions, across a career that spanned several decades."
Concluding the statement, Anthony's family said their grief is "far greater than the hole he has left behind." But, that "his legacy will live on in the shows he was a part of and in the audiences that love them."
Finally, the daughters penned: "How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us. We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time."
Since the tragic news, plenty of condolences have poured in from both celebrities and fans around the world. From his fellow Buffy cast members to other actors he's shared the screen with in the past, it's clear that Anthony made positive impressions on everyone he met.
Here are just some of the tributes to Anthony Head
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar was one of the first famous faces to share her heartbreak over Anthony's death. Taking to Instagram to share a series of throwback photos from their time on the show together, she wrote: "Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok," referring to Anthony's character.
"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."
David Boreanaz
Another Buffy alum, David Boreanaz, penned a caption alongside an old photo of him and Anthony laughing together. He shared: "This is how I met Anthony, in laughter and smile always. And this is how I will remember him always. All kindness and a soul that was inspiring to me. Thank you brother . RIP."
Eliza Dushku
Fellow Buffy star Eliza Dushku wrote on her Instagram Stories: "Tony H~for every scene & time shared, I give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one."
Charisma Carpenter
"Tony 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. I was not as close to Tony as some of the others from the cast were, and it pains me that I have to say 'were,'" Charisma Carpenter, Buffy actor, wrote on Instagram.
"Even so, I am still feeling affected by this loss, and my heart is truly with my fellow cast mates who remained close to him and his family to this day. I'm holding them all in my thoughts and sending love. I am especially sorry for the tremendous loss his daughters, Emily and Daisy, are enduring, and I wish to extend my deepest condolences to them. They are young women now, though they were just darling little girls when I met them decades ago. I have not seen them since, but I hear they embody every bit of the love, kindness, and commitment to others that their parents did.
"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. How fortunate I was to have worked with someone of his caliber and talent. I remember meeting him in the production office for the first time 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.
"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. Recently, for the first time, I watched his performance in one of my favorite BTVS episodes, "Lie to Me." His speech at the end could not feel more relevant today, not only in light of this news, but also given the state of the world. I invite everyone to revisit it that cares to. Thankfully we can. For that I am grateful. Rest well, Tony. You are loved."
Brett Goldstein
Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein also shared his condolences on his Instagram Stories. Posting a smiling photo of Anthony, he penned: "Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world," referring to his Ted Lasso character, Rupert Mannion. He continued, saying that this was an "incredible skill, because he was the best person. Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Keeley Hazell
Keeley Hazell, who played Anthony's on-screen husband in Ted Lasso, shared two photos of the pair on her Instagram Stories. She accompanied the snaps with a heartfelt tribute that said: "my on-screen husband. what an honor it was to work alongside you. my thoughts are with your family and your daughters who loved you so much."
More to come.
