The series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” continues to lose its stars. In February 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the title character’s younger sister, passed away. The actress, who died of diabetes, was only 39 years old. In March 2026, Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris, one of Buffy’s best friends, passed away. And last Friday, the death of another star from the cast was announced: Anthony Head, known for his role as Rupert Giles. The British actor was 72 years old. The sad news was announced by his daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our remarkable father, Anthony Head. He passed away peacefully from complications of pneumonia, surrounded by his family. “It has been and always will be an honor and a privilege for us to be his daughters and to see firsthand the impact he and his work have had on so many people,” they said in a joint statement published by the Press Association.

Interestingly, Head followed his wife, Sarah Fisher, who passed away less than six months ago at the age of 61. They had been together since 1982.

I simply cannot imagine my life without Sarah. And I certainly wouldn’t want that,” he told the Daily Telegraph in 2018.

Along with Emily and Daisy Head, Anthony’s colleagues also mourn his death.

On her personal social media account, Michelle Gellar wrote:

I’m not okay…

Echoing the line from the Buffy season 5 finale—“Tell Giles I’ve sorted it all out and I’m okay,”—Gellar added:

Well, I haven’t sorted anything out and I’m not okay. But I know I’m lucky to have known you. Thank you to Daisy and Emily, who shared their father not only with me, but with the world,” she finished, referring to Head’s two daughters.

Head played Rupert Giles for all seven seasons of Buffy, from 1997 to 2003. He was a main cast member in the first five seasons and appeared in cameo roles in the final two.