--- name: "Anthony Head" canonical: "https://film.one/person/anthony-stewart-head" fi1m_id: "anthony-stewart-head" imdb_id: "nm0372117" tmdb_id: 34257 wikidata_id: "Q342962" roles: ["Actor"] born: "20 February 1954" died: "1 June 2026" reviewed_on_fi1m: 9 average_fi1m_score: 68 average_as: "actor" average_over: 8 updated: "2026-10-07T13:40:07.961021+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Anthony Head ## Identity Anthony Head - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/anthony-stewart-head - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** anthony-stewart-head - **IMDb ID:** nm0372117 - **TMDB ID:** 34257 - **Wikidata ID:** Q342962 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Head, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q342962, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0372117/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/34257 Actor. Born 20 February 1954 in London, England, UK. Died 1 June 2026. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 20 February 1954, London, England, UK - **Died:** 1 June 2026 - **Active:** 1997–2020 - **Also known as:** Anthony Stewart Head, Tony Head - **Titles on Fi1m:** 9: 8 acting, 1 other - **Average Fi1m score:** 68, as actor, over 8 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 80 (1), 2000s 69 (5), 2010s 63 (2), 2020s 78 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 67 across 4 titles - **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 3 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 5, Drama 5, Action & Adventure 2, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2, Crime 1, History 1 - **Screen time:** 2 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $116m across 1 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Head, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q342962, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0372117/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/34257 ## Streaming the US now - **Disney+:** [*Buffy the Vampire Slayer*](https://film.one/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer.md) (80) - **Apple TV:** [*Ted Lasso*](https://film.one/tv/ted-lasso.md) (78) - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Iron Lady*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-lady.md) (52) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Anthony Head > Anthony Stewart Head gives his authoritative men enough awkwardness to make them human. We value the warmth beneath Rupert Giles’s reserve most, but the same charm serves him well when he plays someone less trustworthy. In *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997), Rupert Giles’s formality does not prevent him from looking socially uncomfortable. Anthony Stewart Head makes that discomfort funny, while keeping the mentor’s competence and fierce loyalty in view. We found Giles’s awkwardness endearing, because Head makes his reserve amusing while leaving us interested in what he cannot quite say. Alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar’s irritable heroine, he gives the conversations a different pace. His restraint leaves room for embarrassment rather than demanding a laugh at the end of every exchange. That combination had a longer preparation than the mentor roles might suggest. Musical theatre came first, and the Nescafé Gold Blend advertisements brought him to wider British attention before *Buffy* made him internationally familiar. His stage work as Dr Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Show* (1990) is a useful reminder that the formal British gentleman was not his only option. Television nevertheless kept finding authority figures for him, including Uther Pendragon in *Merlin* (2008). The risk was familiarity: a suave manner and a distinctive baritone could become sufficient reasons to cast him. *Ted Lasso* (2020) puts that familiarity to less reassuring use. As Rupert Mannion, Rebecca’s scheming ex-husband, Head gives an unpleasant man enough charm to make his company plausible. The charm matters because the character needs to be more than an obstacle for nicer people. We find the programme worth an evening, with reservations about its uneven jokes and laboured cultural clashes, and Head’s presence does not remove those problems. Here, the smoothness is a reason to distrust him. *Buffy* gives his restraint particularly good company in Alyson Hannigan’s hesitant Willow Rosenberg and Charisma Carpenter’s sharper Cordelia Chase. The differences between the actors let embarrassment linger, and Head does not need to be the funniest person present to make those exchanges work. We value that responsiveness more than the recognisable voice or the ease with which he can suggest authority. Start with Giles, allowing some patience for the programme’s uneven supernatural plotting. ## Biography Anthony Stewart Head was an English actor and singer. Born in London in 1954, he trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and began his career in musical theatre before gaining prominence in the 1980s through a series of Nescafé Gold Blend television advertisements. He was best known for his role as Rupert Giles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997–2003), Uther Pendragon in *Merlin* (2008–2012) and Rupert Mannion in *Ted Lasso* (2020–2023). Other credits included *Little Britain*, *The Iron Lady* (2011) and appearances in *Bridgerton* and *Doctor Who*. He died in June 2026. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, hollywoodreporter.com.* ## On Fi1m (9) ### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these - *Ted Lasso* (2020), Fi1m 78, as Rupert Mannion — [page](https://film.one/tv/ted-lasso.md) - *Motherland* (2017), Fi1m 74, as Bill — [page](https://film.one/tv/motherland-2017.md) - *The Iron Lady* (2011), Fi1m 52, as Geoffrey Howe — [page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-lady.md) - *Doctor Who* (2005), Fi1m 78, as Mr Finch — [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md) - *Little Britain* (2003), Fi1m 58, as Michael the PM — [page](https://film.one/tv/little-britain.md) - *Spooks* (2002), Fi1m 77, as Peter Salter — [page](https://film.one/tv/spooks.md) - *My Family* (2000), Fi1m 50, as Richard Harper — [page](https://film.one/tv/my-family.md) - *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997), Fi1m 80, as Rupert Giles — [page](https://film.one/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (2007), Fi1m 81, as Man in Street Who Greets Todd after Competition (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md) ## Complete filmography (113) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Upgraded* (2024), as Julian Marx - *Pinky* (2022), as Alex White - *Sideshow* (2022), as Gerald - *The Canterville Ghost* (2021), series, as Sir Simon de Canterville - *Let the Wrong One In* (2021), as Henry - *School's Out Forever* (2021), as Stanley - *Bridgerton* (2020), series, as Lord Sheffield — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/bridgerton.md) - *Ted Lasso* (2020), series, as Rupert Mannion — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/ted-lasso.md) - *Adventure Time: Distant Lands* (2020), series, as Wizard Con (voice) - *The Big Night In* (2020), as Various Roles - *Feel Good* (2020), series, as George - *The Stranger* (2020), series, as Edgar Price - *Feedback* (2019), as Norman Burgess - *Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan* (2018), series, as Rupert Thorne - *The Split* (2018), series, as Oscar - *Batman: Gotham by Gaslight* (2018), as Alfred (voice) - *Girlfriends* (2018), series, as John - *Motherland* (2017), series, as Bill — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/motherland-2017.md) - *Back* (2017), series, as Charismatic Mike - *Still Star-Crossed* (2017), series, as Lord Silvestro Capulet - *A Street Cat Named Bob* (2016), as Nigel Bowen - *Despite the Falling Snow* (2016), as Old Misha Ardonov - *Rocky Horror Show Live* (2015), as Narrator - *Convenience* (2015), as Barry - *Dominion* (2014), series, as David Weel - *Flying Home* (2014), as Colin's Father - *Yonderland* (2013), series, as Nigel - *You, Me & Them* (2013), series, as Ed Walker - *Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters* (2013), as Chiron - *Dancing on the Edge* (2013), series, as Donaldson - *The Iron Lady* (2011), as Geoffrey Howe — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-lady.md) - *Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance* (2011), as Benedict - *The Great Ghost Rescue* (2011), as Prime Minister - *Free Agents* (2011), series, as Stephen - *The Inbetweeners Movie* (2011), as Will's Dad - *Ella* (2011), as Father - *Warehouse 13* (2009), series, as Paracelsus - *Free Agents* (2009), series, as Stephen Caudwell - *Repo! The Genetic Opera* (2008), as Nathan Wallace / Repo Man - *Rocky Horror Tribute Show* (2008), as Dr. Frank-N-Furter - *Merlin* (2008), series, as Uther Pendragon - *Buffy the Animated Series* (2008), series, as Rupert Giles - *The Invisibles* (2008), series, as Maurice Riley - *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (2007), as Man in Street Who Greets Todd after Competition (uncredited) — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md) - *Sold* (2007), series, as Mr Colubrine - *Comedy Showcase* (2007), series, as Stephen - *Amelia and Michael* (2007), as Michael - *Sparkle* (2007), as Tony - *Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest* (2007), as Baltazar (voice) - *Persuasion* (2007), as Sir Walter Elliot - *The Magic Door* (2007), as George - *Little Britain Live* (2006), as Prime Minister - *Him and Us* (2006), as Max Flash - *Scoop* (2006), as Detective - *The Children's Party at the Palace* (2006), as Captain Hook (Peter Pan) - *Imagine Me & You* (2006), as Ned - *Hotel Babylon* (2006), series, as Mr. Machin - *Sensitive Skin* (2005), series, as Tom Paine - *Doctor Who* (2005), series, as Mr Finch — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md) - *Doctor Who Confidential* (2005), series, as Narrator - *True Horror with Anthony Head* (2004), series, as Host - *True Horror* (2004), series, Actor - *True Horror with Anthony Head* (2004), as Host - *Fat Slags* (2004), as Victor - *New Tricks* (2004), series, Actor - *Reversals* (2003), as Mr. Andrew Barton - *Little Britain* (2003), series, as Michael the PM — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/tv/little-britain.md) - *And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself* (2003), as William Benton - *I'll Be There* (2003), as Sam Gervasi - *Murder Investigation Team* (2003), series, as Stewart Masters - *Rose and Maloney* (2002), series, as Dr David Terry - *Fillmore!* (2002), series, as Professor Third (voice) - *Spooks* (2002), series, as Peter Salter — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/spooks.md) - *Doctor Who: Death Comes to Time* (2002), as Saint Valentine - *Manchild* (2002), series, as James - *Rocky Horror 25: Anniversary Special* (2000), Actor - *My Family* (2000), series, as Richard Harper — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/tv/my-family.md) - *Best Actress* (2000), as Colin Truemans - *Monarch of the Glen* (2000), series, Actor - *Two Guys and a Girl* (1998), series, as Dr. Staretski - *Jonathan Creek* (1997), series, as Adam Klaus — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/jonathan-creek.md) - *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997), series, as Rupert Giles — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer.md) - *Roger Roger* (1996), as Jimmy Price - *Silent Witness* (1996), series, Actor - *The Ghostbusters of East Finchley* (1995), series, as Terry - *VR.5* (1995), series, as Oliver Sampson - *The Trial of Lord Lucan* (1994), as Dominic Elwes - *Royce* (1994), as Pitlock - *NYPD Blue* (1993), series, as Raleigh Gibson — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/nypd-blue.md) - *The Detectives* (1993), series, as Simon - *Highlander: The Series* (1992), series, as Allan Rothwood - *Woof Again! Why Me?* (1992), Actor - *The Zero Option* (1988), as Bruce Michaelis - *More Bad News* (1988), as Recording Studio Engineer - *Pulaski* (1987), series, as Dudley Fielding - *A Prayer for the Dying* (1987), as Rupert - *Rockliffe's Babies* (1987), series, as Chris Patterson - *Boon* (1986), series, Actor - *Spenser: For Hire* (1985), series, Actor - *Howards' Way* (1985), series, as Phil Norton - *C.A.T.S. Eyes* (1985), series, as James Sinden - *Slags* (1984), as Ricki - *The Comic Strip Presents...* (1982), series, as Ricki, Recording Studio Engineer - *Celebrity Playhouse* (1981), series, as Wilfred Kirby - *The Grudge Fight* (1981), as Chief Hook - *Bergerac* (1981), series, as Bill - *Lady Chatterley's Lover* (1981), as Anton - *Love in a Cold Climate* (1980), series, as Tony Kroesig - *The Mallens* (1979), series, as Weir - *Accident* (1978), series, as Simon Lovell - *Enemy at the Door* (1978), series, as Clive Martel - *Secret Army* (1977), series, as Hanslick - *Playhouse* (1974), series, as Chief Hook ## Gallery - ![Anthony Head](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-17765a79f707.jpg) Anthony Head — Raven Underwood, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Anthony_Stewart_Head.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Anthony Stewart Head at Cleveland Vulkon Slayercon, April 2004 (2005)](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-62563a9f754f.jpg) Anthony Stewart Head at Cleveland Vulkon Slayercon, April 2004 (2005) — Raven Underwood, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Anthony_Stewart_Head_%283088356%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![English actor Anthony Stewart Head and american actor Nicholas Brendon at the Oakland Super SlayerCon. (2004)](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-ab52f1c242e2.jpg) English actor Anthony Stewart Head and american actor Nicholas Brendon at the Oakland Super SlayerCon. (2004) — Flickr user RavenU, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Anthony_Stewart_Head_and_Nicholas_Brendon_Aug_2004.jpg/1280px-Anthony_Stewart_Head_and_Nicholas_Brendon_Aug_2004.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast at the wrap party. Tom Lenk, Emma Caulfield, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Joss Whedon, Michelle Trachten (2003)](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-73cbd8176895.jpg) Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast at the wrap party. Tom Lenk, Emma Caulfield, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Joss Whedon, Michelle Trachten (2003) — Patrick Lee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Buffy_The_Vampire_Slayer_cast.jpg/1280px-Buffy_The_Vampire_Slayer_cast.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Anthony Head](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-107ecf65c3e4.jpg) Anthony Head — Image via TMDB - ![Anthony Head](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-58c0a7c760ad.jpg) Anthony Head — Image via TMDB - ![Anthony Head](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-006f7ffcc2e8.jpg) Anthony Head — Image via TMDB - ![Merlin. (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-c05df4793485.jpg) Merlin. (2010) — Whatsername21 from England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Merlin_%284535329551%29.jpg/1280px-Merlin_%284535329551%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Merlin. (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-6dc38a2e6fc7.jpg) Merlin. (2010) — Whatsername21 from England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Merlin_%284535960616%29.jpg/1280px-Merlin_%284535960616%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Anthony Head](https://film.one/media/person/22255/gallery-f4dad1ec261e.jpg) Anthony Head — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/anthony-stewart-head