Buffy, Ted Lasso casts pay tribute to Anthony Head

The entertainment world has been paying tribute to actor Anthony Head, who died on Monday at the age of 72 after a battle with pneumonia.

During his career Head starred in a number of top TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Little Britain and Merlin.

Scroll on to see some of the tributes from his former co-stars.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy:
“‘Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok’ 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, Buffy, posting a picture of him smiling with Head:
“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”

Alyson Hannigan, Buffy:
“This cut is so deep I fear it can never heal. 💔 Oh Tonal…I am so grateful to have had you in my life! I want to say a million wonderful things about you and yet I can’t seem to find the words that would do you justice. I love you so much and will miss you forever. RIP”

Charisma Carpenter, Buffy:
“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’. 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.”

James Marsters, Buffy:
“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. 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.”

Matt Lucas, Little Britain:
“I am very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Tony Head. 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.”

Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso:
“”Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which 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.”

Jeremy Swift, Ted Lasso:
“Goodbye Tony, we adored you, Rest in Peace my friend.”

Russell T Davies, Doctor Who:
“That’s ridiculously sad, what a lovely man. Oh, he could twinkle. So wise, so kind, so classy. I worked with him on Doctor Who, and on Merlin (I helped with early development on that, I suggested that magic should be illegal) and he was an absolute delight. In Doctor Who, he had a face-off with K9 and had the immortal line, ‘Forget the shooty dog thing.’ Now look, that’s a glorious line, but requires a deep breath for a grown man. I muttered to him quietly, ‘Do you mind the shooty dog line?’ He said, ‘Mind?! I think it’s wonderful!’ And so was he. Also, he spoke always about his daughters with such love and joy, what a wonderful dad. Love and sympathy to Emily, Daisy, family and friends, he’ll be missed and remembered across the world. Good night, sir.”