Anthony Head, best celebrated for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at 72.
The British actor's daughters confirmed the news on Friday.
The actor was best known as librarian Rupert Giles in the cult US supernatural TV series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, which ran from 1997 to 2003.
Most recently, Mr Head played former Richmond FC owner Rupert Mannion, the ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in football comedy Ted Lasso.
Anthony Head in 2000
|GETTY
A statement from his daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, to the Press Association, said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.
"He passed away peacefully of complications due 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.
"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.
"Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them.
Anthony Head and Caroline Quintin in 2017
|GETTY
"How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us. We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time."
Following the news, fans flooded social media with tributes to the actor.
One X user penned: "Anthony Head was such a legendary actor, I'm so shocked. He's been a staple throughout my life from Merlin, to Buffy."
A second wrote: "RIP Anthony Head. A fine actor. #BuffytheVampireSlayer #TedLasso Among many of his work."
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Anthony Head in Ted Lasso
|IMDB
"RIP Anthony Head. Iconic as Giles in Buffy and such a warm presence in Ted Lasso. He brought so much heart and wisdom to every role. Thoughts with his family and fans," a third added.
Another shared: "I am so gutted about Anthony Stewart Head. I can't even explain."
Someone else echoed this, adding: "Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of Anthony Head. RIP."
"Oh no.. this is the saddest news.. I'm absolutely heartbroken... Rest in Peace, Anthony Stewart Head, aka, Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer," one more posted.
Anthony Head has died at 72
|IMDB
Mr Head's other notable roles were the Prime Minister in Little Britain and Uther Pendragon in Merlin, the father of Prince Arthur.
Recognised for his rich baritone voice, Mr Head initially captured British audiences during the 1980s through his appearance in the Nescafe Gold Blend television advertisements.
Paired with Sharon Maughan, he portrayed one half of a couple whose gradual romance unfolded over cups of coffee across multiple commercials.
Running between 1987 and 1993, the adverts became celebrated as a landmark example of serialised advertising in Britain.
The actor subsequently achieved transatlantic fame through his portrayal of Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
He departed from the main cast during the programme's sixth series, returning only for guest appearances until the show's conclusion.