Most fans of television will hear the name Anthony Stewart Head and automatically think of Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Some may run more readily towards his recent work as the caddish Rupert Mannion – ex-husband to Hannah Waddingham on the soon to return Ted Lasso. Both are fair recollections, but only amount to scratching the surface of a career that spanned genres. It’s with bittersweet remembrance that we reflect on that fact, as the beloved actor of stage and screen is now dead at the age of 72.
Daughters Emily And Daisy Head Made The Announcement Earlier Today
The revelation of Anthony Stewart Head’s death broke through a statement by Emily and Daisy Head – via the BBC. According to that report, Anthony’s passing had taken place “peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.” You can read their further remarks on his life and legacy below:
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. [We know] how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the show he was in. [He] loved his job very much, and always considered himself incredibly lucky.
Of course, audiences at large will recognize his breakout role as Rupert Giles – resident librarian/Watcher of Sunnydale High School in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Providing sage advice to Buffy and the rest of the Scooby Gang for seven seasons, the actor built an image of authority and wry wit.
At the same time, the story of Anthony Stewart Head’s entire career reveals so much more. Especially when you take into account the man’s accomplishments as a stage actor with singing experience.
In Memoriam: Anthony Stewart Head’s Life And Legacy
Born February 20, 1954, Anthony Stewart Head’s first big hit actually wasn’t a TV series. Rather it was a series of soap opera style commercials advertising Nestle brands of instant coffee. Between 1987 and 1993, Head and co-star Sharon Maughan told a story of a couple that bonded over that very drink, with romance always circling them in the air. After breaking out with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the actor racked up an assortment of credits that saw him play hero, villain, and everything in-between.
Most notably, Head played the role of Nathan – the reluctant repo man in 2007’s cult musical hit Repo! The Genetic Opera. But his extended resume in the arts also includes credits through projects like portraying a villain in the Doctor Who episode “School Reunion,” as well as DC Comics icon Alfred Pennyworth in the direct-to-video film Batman: Gotham by Gaslight.
Anthony Stewart Head even played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a ‘90s production of The Rocky Horror Show at the Piccadilly Theatre. As you can see below, Head would revisit the show from time to time, in tribute performances such as this clip from 2006:
But his authoritative air also saw him landing further gigs that took advantage of that credibility – through guest spots in Jack Ryan and Bridgerton. Never afraid to embrace the camp and the conservative, Mr. Head was always a delight to see in play.
Looking at his body of work, it’s easy to see why Anthony Stewart Head felt “incredibly lucky.” To have a CV that impressive, and to love what you do, is the ultimate dream for anyone in any profession. He will indeed be missed, and we here at THS would like to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Head’s family, friends, and fans, as they navigate this difficult time of remembrance and grief.
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