LONDON (AP) — Anthony Head, the suave, smooth-voiced British actor known for roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso," has died, his family said Friday. He was 72.
Head’s daughters, actors Emily and Daisy Head, told the Press Association news agency that the actor passed away due to complications from pneumonia.
The stage and TV performer became well known to British audiences in the 1980s as one half of a will-they, won’t-they romantic couple in a series of ads for Nescafe Gold Blend instant coffee. The ads were later re-shot for a U.S. audience for Taster's Choice.
Head achieved wider fame as librarian Rupert Giles, mentor to the title character in the cult-favorite supernatural series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which ran from 1997 to 2003.
He most recently played Rupert Mannion, the villainous ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in “Ted Lasso.”
“Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them,” his daughters said. “How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us.”
Head was born in London on Feb. 20, 1954 to Seafield Head, a documentary filmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actor. His older brother, Murray, is also an actor.
Other notable roles included playing Geoffrey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, played by Meryl Streep, in the Oscar-winning “The Iron Lady.”
Head portrayed a prime minister himself in the sketch comedy show “Little Britain,” as well as King Uther Pendragon, the father of Prince Arthur, in the “Merlin” TV series. He also appeared in “Motherland," Manchild,” and “Silent Witness,” along with acting in many plays, musicals, and recording music as a singer.
He was predeceased by his longtime partner, animal welfare activist Sarah Fisher, 61, in 2025.
FILE - Anthony Head arrives for the European premiere of 'The Iron Lady' on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File)
FILE - Anthony Head arrives for the European premiere of 'The Iron Lady' on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File)
FILE - Anthony Head poses during the "Merlin" photocall at the 51st Monaco Television Festival in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Friday, June 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Christian Alminana, File)
HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes homered for the third straight game, driving in four runs to propel the Houston Astros to a 5-1 victory over the Athletics on Friday night.
Jeremy Peña singled off Jack Perkins (2-3) to begin the first inning, extending his hitting streak to six games before Yordan Alvarez followed with a walk. Paredes homered for the ninth time for a 3-0 lead.
Alvarez, who chased down first-inning fly balls from Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz in left field in his first start out there since May 5, singled to start the third before scoring on a triple by Christian Walker. Paredes followed with a sacrifice fly for a 5-0 advantage.
Peter Lambert (5-4) was cruising until Brent Rooker hit his ninth homer in the sixth. The right-hander then walked Tyler Soderstrom in front of a double by Henry Bolte to put runners on second and third with one out. Enyel De Los Santos came in and struck out Zach Gelof before retiring Jeff McNeil on a liner to Jose Altuve at second to limit the damage.
The Athletics loaded the bases with one out in the second, but Lambert struck out McNeil and Darell Hernaiz to keep it 3-0. He allowed one run on five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.
De Los Santos retired all five batters he faced, Bryan King pitched a scoreless eighth, and closer Josh Hader struck out the side in his second appearance after beginning the season on the injured list.
Altuve singled in the eighth and finished 1 for 4 in his first game since May 16 when he landed on the IL with a strained left oblique. It was the only hit off reliever Mason Barnett over the final four innings.
Perkins was charged with all five runs in four innings.
Athletics RHP Kade Morris was set to make his big-league debut on the mound Saturday, opposite Astros rookie RHP Tatsuya Imai (2-3, 5.52).
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Athletics relief pitcher Mason Barnett throws against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert throws against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3), designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) and Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrate after they all score on the three run home run by Paredes against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes flips his bat as he watches his hit against the Athletics during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
