Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for her iconic role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” took to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to fellow actor Anthony Head, leaving fans deeply moved.
The British actor, celebrated for his role as Rupert Giles, Buffy’s mentor, throughout the entire seven-season run of the beloved series, passed away at the age of 72 due to complications from pneumonia.
He died peacefully with his loved ones by his side. His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, released a statement expressing their profound sense of honor and privilege in being his daughters, highlighting the significant impact he and his work have had on many lives.
“We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans of the shows he was in – he loved his job very much, and he always considered himself incredibly lucky, to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people, in such wonderful productions, across a career that spanned several decades,” they shared.
Joining those commemorating the much-loved actor, Gellar shared an Instagram post filled with behind-the-scenes photos of Head with the “Buffy” cast, celebrating his legacy and their shared memories.
Referencing a line from the series, she wrote: “‘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.”
Her post on Friday, 5th June was immediately greeted with an overwhelming wave of support from her devoted followers.
One fan responded: “Im so sorry for your loss Sarah, the whole world is missing their Watcher right now that’s for sure.”
Another wrote: “This has been a rough couple years for the buffyverse. My heart is just broken.”
A third commented: “Absolutely heartbroken. Giles was the father figure that so many of us never had.”
While a further follower added: “My heart is broken we lost a true angel.”
Among Head’s later roles were his memorable villainous turn in Apple TV’s beloved sports comedy Ted Lasso, Bill in Motherland, and Lord Sheffield in an episode of Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available to stream on Disney+ and ITVX.