Anthony Head is being honored by his Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars following news of his death.
The actor originated the role of Rupert Giles, Buffy’s Watcher and mentor, throughout the show’s seven-season run. Head was a main cast member in the first five seasons of the series and was a recurring character for the last two seasons.
Throughout his run on the supernatural horror drama, Head shared credits with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, James Masters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Michelle Trachtenberg, and many more.
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared on Instagram several photos with the following caption: “‘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, who played Angel in the series, took to Instagram Stories to pay tribute to the late actor.
“RIP. He was so kind and generous of a soul,” Boreanaz captioned.
James Marsters, who played Spike in the series, posted on Instagram, “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.”
Eliza Dushku, who played Faith, wrote, “Tony H, for every scene and timed shared, give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one.”
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Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia, honored Head with a touching post, saying, “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.” (Read Carpenter’s tribute to Head in its entirety in the gallery below.)
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya in the series, shared a photo with the late actor and captioned, “This was taken on the London Underground in 2011. I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of The Iron Lady. We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day. There were many of these moments with this amazing human who I was lucky enough to call my friend for 27 years. He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed. rest in peace with your beautiful Sarah-Emma.”
Head died at the age of 72 following complications due to pneumonia, the actor’s family confirmed in a statement to BBC News.
“He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family,” his daughters Emily and Daisy told the outlet. “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.”
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The Buffy-verse experienced a loss earlier this year when Nicholas Brendon died at age 54. Brendon played Xander Harris during the show’s entire run. In 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers, died at the age of 39.
Scroll through the gallery below to see all the tributes to Anthony Head from his Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar
Image Credit: Instagram / sarahmgellar Sarah Michelle Gellar: “‘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.”
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David Boreanaz
Image Credit: Instagram / imdboreanaz David Boreanaz: “RIP. He was so kind and generous of a soul.”
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Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan: “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”
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James Marsters
Image Credit: Instagram / realjamesmarsters James Marsters: “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.”
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Charisma Carpenter
Image Credit: Instagram / charismacarpenter 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.” Even so, I am still feeling affected by this loss, and my heart is truly with my fellow classmates 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.”
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Emma Caulfield
Image Credit: Instagram / emmacaulfieldofficial Emma Caulfield: “This was taken on the London Underground in 2011. I went to visit my friend Tony on the set of The Iron Lady. We had lunch, hit up a record store, had dinner and drinks and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day. There were many of these moments with this amazing human who I was lucky enough to call my friend for 27 years. He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed. rest in peace with your beautiful Sarah-Emma.”
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Eliza Dushku
Image Credit: Instagram / elizadushku Eliza Dushku: “Tony H, for every scene and timed shared, give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one.”
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Amber Benson
Image Credit: Instagram / rebma_nosneb Amber Benson: “We lost one of the good ones today.”
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Julie Benz
Image Credit: Instagram / juliebenzmft Julie Benz: “I didn’t know him well, but every interaction I had with him was met with kindness, generosity, and a great sense of humor. A truly lovely human. Sending love to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”