Anthony Head remembered by Sarah Michelle Gellar leaving Buffy fans 'heartbroken'

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar has shared an emotional tribute to actor Anthony Head on Instagram, leaving fans utterly heartbroken.

The British star, beloved for his portrayal of Buffy's mentor Rupert Giles across all seven series of the cult fantasy programme, passed away aged 72 following complications from pneumonia.

He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, released a statement saying: "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.

"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."

Gellar has now joined the chorus of those honouring the cherished actor with an Instagram post featuring multiple behind-the-scenes photographs of Head alongside the Buffy cast.

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.