British actor Anthony Head has died at the age of 72 following complications from pneumonia, according to a statement released by his daughters, Emily and Daisy Head.

They said he passed away peacefully surrounded by family and described him as an extraordinary father whose work touched many people throughout a long and successful career.

Head became internationally famous for portraying Rupert Giles, Buffy Summers' mentor and watcher, in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer during the late 1990s and early 2000s.His death prompted tributes from former colleagues and friends across the entertainment industry.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside him in Buffy, shared an emotional message recalling their close relationship, while David Boreanaz and James Marsters praised both his talent and kindness.Other tributes came from Little Britain creator Matt Lucas, Ted Lasso writer and actor Brett Goldstein, and bestselling author Harlan Coben.Beyond Buffy, Head built a diverse career spanning television, film, radio and theatre.

His notable roles included King Uther Pendragon in Merlin, Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso, appearances in Doctor Who, The Iron Lady, Motherland, Silent Witness, The Inbetweeners and Bridgerton, as well as a long-running role in BBC Radio 4's The Archers.

Many British viewers also remembered him from the popular Gold Blend coffee advertisements of the late 1980s and early 1990s alongside Sharon Maughan.Born in London in 1954 and trained at LAMDA, Head came from a family involved in the entertainment industry.

He is survived by his daughters Emily and Daisy, both actors, and leaves behind a legacy as one of Britain's most recognisable and respected performers.