‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ cast reacts to Anthony Head’s death

The cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are mourning the death of actor Anthony Stewart Head, who has passed away at the age of 72.

Head is best known for playing Rupert Giles, leader of the Scooby Gang and mentor to Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), on the hit show from 1997 to 2003.

The actor’s family confirmed his death on Friday, June 5, stating, “It is with deep hearts that we announce the passing of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.”

Mr Head’s two daughters, Emily and Daisy, added that Mr Head “passed peacefully away from complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family”.

Head’s death is the latest heartbreak to affect the Buffy family, following the death of Nicholas Brendan in March and Michelle Trachtenberg in February 2025.

In the wake of the recent tragedy, Head’s Buffy castmates, including David Boreanaz, who played Angel on the hit series, and Geller, who played the lead role on the show, took to social media to pay tribute to him.

Scroll down to see which Buffy stars paid tribute to the late actor:

David Boreanaz

“Rest in Peace,” Boreanaz wrote on her Instagram Story, while reposting the announcement of Head’s death, along with a prayer hands emoji. “He had a very kind and generous heart.”

Eliza Dushku

Eliza Dushku, who played the killer Face, shared a photo of Head on her Instagram Story on Friday. “Tony H~ Thank you for sharing every scene and time with me. Rest in love and peace, sweet teacher. My dearest,” she wrote.

Related: Sarah Michelle Gellar says Nicholas Brendon’s death is a ‘tragedy’

Sarah Michelle Gellar is once again remembering her longtime Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon after his death at the age of 54. “It’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy to lose someone at any point. It’s an even bigger tragedy to lose someone sooner than necessary,” the 48-year-old Geller told the Rome press (…)

sarah michelle gellar

Geller, who played the lead character Buffy, quoted the show while paying homage to her television mentor. “Please tell Giles I get it and I’m okay. Well, I don’t get it and I’m not okay,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you.”

Gellar shared a series of photos from her time with Head while filming the hit series, including one with Buffy co-star Seth Green and Head’s two daughters.

“Thank you to Daisy and Emily for sharing their father’s story with not only me but the world,” Geller added.

james marsters

James Marsters, who played the vampire Spike, posted on Instagram: “There is a hole in the world. Anthony Head has left us.” “He was an exceptionally gentle and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor on the cast.”

The actor spoke passionately about his late co-star, adding, “He was the best of us. I was lucky to know him and learn from him. He left the world a better place with his presence. Thank you Tony for everything you gave.”

Emma Caulfield

Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, shared a photo of herself with the late actor on Instagram. “This was taken on the London Underground in 2011,” she recalled. “I went to see my friend Tony on the set of The Iron Lady. We had lunch, went to the record store, had dinner and drinks, and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a perfect day.”

Caulfield said: “For 27 years there were so many moments like this with this wonderful human being that I was lucky enough to call my friend. He was kind, wise and a guide through difficult times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. I’ll miss you so much. ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ Rest in peace your beautiful Sarah Emma.”

charisma carpenter

Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, paid tribute to Head in a lengthy statement on Instagram on Friday.

“Tony brought to life a character who was like a much-needed but absent father figure to many, and I am sure that his fans around the world will be saddened. For that, I am deeply sorry,” she began. “Although I was not as close to Tony as the rest of the cast, I am saddened to have to say ‘I was.’ However, I still feel the effects of this loss and my heart goes out to his classmates who stood by him and his family to this day. I hold them all in my heart and send my love.”

Carpenter shared a series of Head on Buffy photos and quotes from the show to remember his legacy.

“I especially feel sorry for the great loss that his daughters Emily and Daisy are enduring. My heart goes out to them. They were just lovely little girls when I met them decades ago, but they are now young women,” she continued. “I haven’t seen them since, but I hear they embody every bit of the love, kindness, and dedication to others that their parents did.”

Carpenter called Head an “icon” and said he was “lucky” to have worked with him when he was young.

“I remember meeting him for the first time in the production office and being completely struck by his demeanor, which had a hippie vibe with a bit of punk rock flair,” the actress recalled. “He was wearing earrings, Converse high-tops, and loose, bold striped pants. There was no sign of Giles in sight, but that was a testament to his talent.”

Carpenter said Head was “incredibly kind” to everyone he met and called him a prime example of a “truly good human being.”

“I recently watched his performance for the first time in one of my favorite episodes of BTVS, ‘Lie to Me,’ and I felt that his speech at the end could not be more meaningful today, not only in light of this news, but also in light of the state of the world,” she concluded. “If you’re interested, please revisit this book. Thankfully, you can. I’m grateful for that. Rest well, Tony. You are loved.”

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alyson hannigan

Actress Willow Rosenberg described Head’s death as “a wound so deep that I fear it will never heal.”

“Oh Tonal… I’m so grateful to have you in my life! I want to say a million wonderful things about you but I can’t seem to find the words to do you justice,” Hannigan wrote on Instagram on Saturday, June 6.

Geller offered his support, writing, “He loved Allie so much.”