Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso has honored the late Anthony Head with an emotional tribute in Season 4, Episode 9, titled “Mae Rides the Bus.”
Without revealing the episode’s biggest twists, Mae (Annette Badland) travels with the Lady Greyhounds for an important match, while Keeley (Juno Temple) delivers major news. By the closing moments, viewers have plenty of reasons to reach for a tissue. Then, just before the credits, Kingfishr’s “Oh Love” plays as the message “In memory of Anthony Head” appears on screen.
For longtime Ted Lasso viewers, Anthony Head needs little introduction. Still, the tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the actor’s connection to the series and the loss felt by its cast and crew. Here’s a closer look at Head’s role in the Apple TV+ comedy, along with memories Annette Badland shared in an interview before Episode 409 premiered.
Who Is Anthony Head On Ted Lasso? Season 4, Episode 9’s Tribute Card Explained
Head was the gifted and widely admired actor behind Rupert Manion, Rebecca’s former husband and the one-time owner of AFC Richmond. He appeared in 18 episodes across the first three seasons. “He was funny, bright, inclusive, generous,” Badland told DECIDER. “He had the humor — that wry humor — and was a very beautiful man.”
Beyond Ted Lasso, Head built an impressive career as an actor, singer and theater performer, earning 140 film and television credits according to IMDb. Many fans know him best as Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but his résumé also included Merlin, Little Britain, Cabin Pressure, Free Agents and Dominion. He was also instantly recognizable to many British viewers as Tony, the “Gold Blend man,” in Nescafé’s long-running coffee commercials opposite Sharon Maughan.
How Did Anthony Head Die?
BBC News reported that Head died in June 2026 at the age of 72. In a statement, his daughters, Emily and Daisy, said he died peacefully from complications related to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.
“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,” they said. After news of his death became public, fans and colleagues shared tributes online, including several of Head’s Ted Lasso co-stars.
“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,” Brett Goldstein wrote in an Instagram Story. “Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Exploring Red Bull Assistant Fiona Hewitson's Wikipedia Biography: Involvement in Christian Horner's F1 Case Unveiled – NewsFinale
Jeremy Swift also remembered his longtime colleague, writing, “Goodbye Tony, we adored you, Rest in Peace my friend.”
Hannah Waddingham told Marie Claire that Head was central to Rebecca’s story and character. “There is no Rebecca without Rupert,” she said. “He undoubtedly made my Rebecca what she was. He was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. Even finer as a human. He loved the craft, loved his fellow actors entirely, knew everybody on the crew’s name, and was always there for everyone else.”
How Did Ted Lasso Write Rupert Off The Show?
In Episode 408, Higgins was trying to determine who had been quietly purchasing AFC Richmond shares when Mae urged him to “follow the anger.” Near the end of the episode, he rushed into Rebecca’s office and interrupted her conversation with Zelda. “I think I know who’s buying the shares,” he said. “Who do you think would make a play to steal a team in secret from you?” Rebecca considered the question before replying, “Rupert.” For a moment, it appeared the mystery had been solved — though the revelation may ultimately prove to be a deliberate misdirection.
Because Season 4 was filmed before Head’s death, some fans wondered whether he had completed scenes that could appear posthumously. Those hopes were heightened by the fact that the series had not yet featured an on-screen tribute. Head does not appear in Episode 9, however. Instead, Rupert’s presence is felt through offscreen conversations involving his lawyers.
Rupert may never receive the kind of redemption arc that has defined so many Ted Lasso characters, but the audience’s strong dislike of him underscored Head’s exceptional performance. His influence will endure through the characters he brought to life, the productions he strengthened and the people he inspired — including the cast and crew of Ted Lasso. The show’s heartfelt tribute offers one more meaningful way to remember him.
New episodes of Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV+.