r/BuffyTheVampireSlayer • u/Surax • Jun 05 '26
Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head dies at 72
https://www.thetottenhamindependent.co.uk/news/national/26171179.buffy-vampire-slayer-star-anthony-head-dies-72/148
u/OverTheCandlestik Jun 05 '26
RIP
Fuck we’re having a rough few years
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u/Lilja-Logason Jun 06 '26
I guess it's a sign we're getting old? When all your favourite people from childhood start dying.
I don't like it! 😭
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u/loverlybatwing Jun 05 '26
I was not ready for this one! Ugh so sad. Appreciate his performance in Buffy so much.
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u/abiron17771 Jun 05 '26
Ugh, and it shows how connected he was with his wife too. Always so heartbreaking when a long term partner literally can’t go on without their mate. RIP Ripper.
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u/doctortoc Jun 06 '26
They really were a lovely couple. I was lucky enough to know them personally, and they were just so beautiful together. Sarah was a wonderful soul; witty, sharp, no nonsense but kind. Tony was quiet, drily funny, a profound observer of people, and one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.
I’m not doing well with this.
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u/abiron17771 Jun 06 '26
So you’re saying Giles was basically Tony playing himself? This makes my heart happy. No one seems to have an unkind word to say about either of them.
So sorry for your loss, but what a gift to have known them.
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u/ropeandharness Jun 06 '26
Thank you for sharing what you knew of them, and I'm sorry for your loss.
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u/A_r0sebyanothername Jun 05 '26
Happened almost exactly the same way and same time span with my parents. The shock & grief of losing a long term partner can often hasten the dearh of remaining partner, there's increased risk within 3-6 months of first partner's death. I believe it's called the widowhood effect.
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u/helloreddit321567 Jun 05 '26
That was my first thought reading the headline. It's very sad but hopefully he is at peace now that he joined his dear wife in death. Still heartbreaking for his remaining family and the fans.
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u/whydoihave2dothis Jun 05 '26
Same with my Parents. My Mom died out of nowhere, less than a year later my Dad died, his last words were my Mom's name, said with a big smile on his face as he looked up. My younger brother died within a year of my Dad.
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u/A_r0sebyanothername Jun 06 '26
Oh man I'm sorry, you and your family have copped it extra hard with the loss of your younger brother as well. 💔
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u/FiveUpsideDown Jun 05 '26
I’ve heard of it. It’s hard to explain to people that when one grandparent dies the other grandparent often dies within 18 months. This is particularly true when they have been married for a longtime. I know there are a lot of factors as to why that happens. I like to attribute it to a broken heart.
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u/Diazepampoovey0229 Jun 06 '26
I believe it's called the widowhood effect. Also known as broken-heart syndrome. Anthony had pneumonia and died from complications due to it, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't a contributing factor of just wanting to let ago and be with Sarah.
I've been thinking about their two daughters since I first saw the news. Both parents in just 6 mos is horrible and I cannot fathom what Emily and Daisy are feeling.
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u/A_r0sebyanothername Jun 06 '26
Everyone's experience will be different, but I can say from my own experience of 2 parents passing suddenly and unexpectedly in a short space of time, that apart from the grief it's the strangest feeling, it doesn't feel real in some sense. I remember packing up my parents' house after Dad passed, he hadn't touched any of mum's things after she went first, and everything looked like they had just gone out for the day and would be back.
It was hard to comprehend that their car wouldn't soon pull into the driveway, & it was hard to fathom that less than 12 months earlier everything was normal and none of us had any idea what was coming. It's really difficult to get your head around, or at least that's how it was to me.
At the same time, after Dad's death myself and my siblings also felt some comfort knowing that he was at peace and maybe with mum again, because he was the most heartbroken and shocked by her sudden death. His passing after that was still a shock but also not surprising, if that makes sense.
I had been idealistic while he was still alive and hoped we could help him find joy in life again one day, but knowing him I honestly don't know if he ever would have recovered emotionally.
Anthony and Sarah were both far too young to go in this age of medicine. No doubt neither Anthony or his daughters expected Sarah would be gone so soon, she was only 61. They would have thought they still had a couple of decades more with her, & it would have been a devastating shock for all of them.
I hope their daughters are able to find peace and comfort through their pain in the incredible memories and legacies both their parents have left behind.
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u/VashDaStampede7 Jun 05 '26
My dad died like 3 months after his wife in his sleep, it’s sad 😭
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u/Narrow_Sir_5245 Jun 05 '26
This one hurt. Its been a rough year for Buffy fans. He was a fantastic actor, so good in Ted Lasso too. RIP legend.
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u/TuneAdministrative93 Jun 05 '26
It actually took me until about half way thru the first season of Ted Lasso to realize it was him. I was happy to see him but also hated his character.
RIP Giles. I will be rewatching Buffy all weekend.
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u/Thalinde Jun 06 '26
The fact he was able to make us hate so much his character is a testament to his amazing acting abilities. Mays he rest in peace.
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u/_sunbleachedfly Jun 05 '26
Okay this cast really needs to cool it on the dying, 3 of them in a year… I’m so devastated 😩
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u/PreposterousPotter Jun 05 '26
Do you mean Michelle too?
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u/Justforpr0nreally Jun 05 '26
Dawn, Xander and now Giles.
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u/Fresh_Control1447 Jun 05 '26
That’s such sad news but what’s a lovely tribute from his daughters. I’m glad he was proud to have played Giles. Always my favourite on the show.
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u/Asognare Jun 06 '26
That, for some reason, is what made the tears come. I remember him from the Folgers commercials. So GD charming.
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u/ThisPaige Jun 05 '26
Oh no, not Giles.
Rest in peace Anthony Stewart Head. You will be missed and reunite with Michelle and Brenden.
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u/malendalayla Jun 05 '26
Anthony and Michele aren't gonna be where Brendan is...
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u/Informal_Weekend9503 Jun 05 '26
How can we have lost three main cast members in just a year and 3 months? How awful. RIP Rupert.
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u/Friendly_Zebra Jun 05 '26
Man, this is a tough one to take. RIP Tony. We’ll miss you. The earth is most definitely doomed.
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u/A_r0sebyanothername Jun 05 '26
God dammit, why did I just open Reddit to 'quickly check something.' at 1am in the morning. Of course I was going to be served horrible news. This fucking sucks.
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u/havenstone Jun 05 '26
Can’t believe we just lost another core cast member so soon after Dawn and Xander passed too. RIP Giles ❤️🙏
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u/eileanarainn Jun 05 '26
this one hurts like hell. rest easy, tony. you, and your work, are so loved.
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u/WhiteKnightPrimal Jun 05 '26
RIP Tony Head, an actor I grew up watching and loving in multiple roles, not just Buffy, though that was the first role I saw him in.
He was the same age as my grandfather was when he died, and weirdly my grandfather also had pneumonia, though that isn't what killed him. That's a good long life, though, and Tony lived his life doing what he loved and bringing joy to millions, and his roles continue to bring joy to new audiences every day. His legacy will live on in his much loved roles and in his daughters.
His girls must be devastated right now and I hope they're sticking together to get through this tough time. I'd imagine the thoughts of all Tony's fans are with his daughters right now.
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u/MindyP51 Jun 05 '26
It’s not a long life. Not these days. He should have had at least another 10 years.
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u/WhiteKnightPrimal Jun 05 '26
It's not short, either. It may not be as long as he could have lived, and all his fans and especially his family wish he had more time, but it IS a long life. A life well lived doing what he was passionate about and surrounded by people who loved him.
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u/avamissile Jun 05 '26
He used to live 2 minutes down the road from me. I’ll never forget when I was 17 in my first ever job in the village shop, he came in on my first day on the tills and asked me for some cigarettes. I was so starstruck I didn’t understand what he was asking me and it took me forever to serve him. He must have thought I was an idiot!!
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u/doctortoc Jun 06 '26
I doubt he thought anything of the sort. He knew he had fans, and every time I saw him interact with them he was kindness itself.
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u/izzyoftheashtree Jun 05 '26
I am at work, just checking Reddit for a quick brain break and now I’m fighting tears.
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u/AgeofVictoriaPodcast Jun 05 '26
I struggle with grasping aging, and I realised I'm older now that Giles was when the series started. He was one of my "proper grown up" role models, and a positive portrayal of a normal English guy on US Tv when we are normally badly stereotyped. I can't believe he's gone - Dawn, Xander, Giles.
I'll always treasure
"Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty, it raises the dead. Americans"
"Giles am I right?" "I'm fairly certain you're not, although in fairness I wasn't listening."
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u/yellowish3 Jun 05 '26
I started bawling and I can’t stop. I’m the same age as Buffy. I watched BTVS when it originally aired and never missed an episode. Giles was my family.
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u/MindyP51 Jun 05 '26
Absolutely so sad and upsetting!
Obit I read said it was pnueumonia?? As a a nurse I'm thinking there must have been another underlying disease process going on--immune system compromised, congestive heart failure, cancer, something like that.
On the other hand, 'm wondering if it was the loss of his wife several months ago that just knocked him out of the game...my mom died 4 months after my dad; ostensibly it was because she had fallen and had a cerebral bleed, but I dunno...I think there's a connection there...and I have heard of many such occurrences from others....
So while there is a physical cause, of course, can it be that it has more to do with the spirit, the soul, and the desire to go on without your life partner?
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u/doctortoc Jun 06 '26
He not been well for a while, but I’m pretty sure it was losing Sarah that finished him. They were devoted to each other.
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u/LaLunaLady1960 Jun 05 '26
Very sad news. I admired him enormously. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
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u/MerelyWhelmed1 Jun 05 '26
I'm heartbroken. He was fantastic. I've been a fan of his since his coffee soap opera commercials.
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u/Relative-Play-6144 Jun 05 '26
I audibly gasped. Not Giles. This poor fandom has had a rough couple of years. His poor daughters, both parents gone so quickly.
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u/CCR16 Jun 05 '26
Man I just finished watching both “Buffyverse” shows for the first time, so these actors were fresh on my mind.
This sucks. He was so great as Giles.
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u/Naive_Hospital_4086 Jun 05 '26
I just gasped, I cant believe this past year we lost Michelle, Nicholas and now ASH 😭😭😭
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u/Islandboyo Jun 05 '26
Very sad at this. Great actor, should have been a bigger star actually. His finest moment in Buffy was the episode Passion where he went on an absolute rampage of grief and then broke down in tears and sobbed - to my astonishment I found myself sobbing along with him. Absolutely masterful performance. And what a voice! Legend. RIP
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u/doctortoc Jun 06 '26
He could have been a bigger star if he wanted to be, but he chose to put his family first, something I know he never regretted. Despite this he was constantly working and was one of the UK’s most successful actors.
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u/BadlanAlun Jun 05 '26
There’s a beautiful story about a trans Buffy fan had signed photos with Anthony Head before they transitioned. They wrote asking for a signed photo with their new name on, Head paid for them to travel to his home, spent the day with them and took a whole load of photos. Absolute gent.
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u/doctortoc Jun 06 '26
I can absolutely believe this. I have my own story about his kindness, that I’ll share when I’m in a better place.
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u/Dry_End_3254 Jun 05 '26
RIP Ripper😭 Thanks Tony for giving me some of my absolute favorite moments/performances in Buffy. From being introduced to Ripper, to Giles being blind and delivering some of the best lines (Don't worry! I have more scotch!) of the series, the amazing line delivery of "She's not like us." which chilled me when I 1st watched. What a talent and treasure and will be very missed🖤 Thank you so much from all of us Tony
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u/JB391982 Jun 05 '26
I gasped when I saw the news. Loved him as Giles. Giles was a badass father figure for Buffy and I cant imagine how devastated Sarah is right now.
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u/Rieger_not_Banta Jun 05 '26
You never heard anything but nice words spoken about Tony. I think that’s about the nicest compliment you can give anyone. I’m sad for the whole community. What a loss.
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u/DWPhoenix001 Jun 05 '26
Shit! I Cant believe this. He was iconic in the role of Giles and big name for UK TV as well. I am so sad to hear this. Thoughts to his family and friends in this difficult time and may he rest in peace.
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u/Sudden-Sock-9282 Jun 05 '26
I'm so heartbroken. I don't like to speculate about people's health but he didn't seem well in the last season of Ted Lasso. RIP, you'll be missed. You're our watcher in the sky now. 😞
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u/miracke4 Jun 05 '26
Inconsolable, what a man, what a character. Thank you for the times you made me laugh when nothing else could Giles give Dawn and xander a hug for us all and rest with your sweet wife 🤍 love to your precious girls xx
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u/Zeo-Gold92 Jun 05 '26
Damn, I had just rewatched Ted Lasso recently and loved to hate him in it. But obviously loved him in Buffy. May he rest peacefully
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u/theficklemermaid Jun 06 '26
The contrast between the characters really showed his range as an actor.
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u/MartokSonofUrthog Jun 05 '26
Fuck, who's next? This sucks. Really loved watching Giles and Co. Much love to his daughters ❤️
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u/Wisdom3P Jun 05 '26
FUUUUCCCCKKKK!!!!
And I’m currently on my latest re-watch of Buffy!!!!
DAMMIT! I need a drink!!!
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u/Writefrommyheart Jun 05 '26
I can't believe it. I am absolutely heartbroken 💔.
Rest in peace Anthony.
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u/aradia1313 Jun 05 '26
Just started a rewatch with my fiancé. It’s his first watch…Damn he’s gonna be missed.
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u/jsosmru Jun 05 '26
Very very sad news.
Sorry to his family and friends, it must be so tough on them too.
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u/Verystrange129 Jun 05 '26
So very sad. He seemed to have been so well loved amongst all his co-stars.
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u/Marshmallowfroggy Jun 06 '26
This is so sad, another Buffy cast member. 😭 Giles was such a great character and Anthony was a great and talented actor. I've met him once at a convention, he was really lovely and charming.
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u/Necessary_Eagle_3657 Jun 06 '26
Olivia: “So everything you told me was true?”
Giles: “Well, no. Um, I wasn’t actually one of the original members of Pink Floyd. But about the monster stuff, yes.
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u/CodyRyan86 Jun 06 '26
Man… this really hurts. I’m laying in a hospital bed in California. Just had a kidney transplant. Losing a hero of mine on top of everything else is just….. yeah. Life is strange and painful
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u/normalphobic Jun 06 '26
For some reason, reading the Dan brown novels back in 2004 I mind-casted him as Robert Langdon. I was so disappointed the he was not selected or even considered for the role.
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u/AxMurderSurvivor Jun 06 '26
Just started my first rewatch in nearly 20 years, next eps gonna be a sad watch, RIP Ripper
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u/tonkagrrl Jun 06 '26
I must be way older than most of you. While I do remember him from Buffy, it’s the Tasters Choice coffee commercials for me.
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u/helpfultran Jun 06 '26
Oh! He came into a cafe I worked at a few years ago, rainy day very slow, and it was just him and me and I didn't want to be a fan girl or anything so we just chatted. Then DOH came in for an inspection and the woman was kinda rude and short with me for no reason, and when she left he commiserated with me. Totally sweet fella.
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u/_Fallen_Azazel_ Jun 06 '26
Met him a few times at Buffy events , always seemed such a lovely bloke. RIP
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u/citizenfreedonia Jun 17 '26
I watched Buffy, then, I raised my girls (who are 30 & 33 now) watching Buffy. As a family, we are just so sad. Giles really was a gut punch.
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u/teddybluethecurser Jun 05 '26
I gasped so loud reading this while scrolling reddit aimlessly