Anthony Stewart Head

[kathleen_dailey]

Anthony Head has died.

Rupert Giles was always my favourite character on BTVS, and I had hoped that one day I might write something about him. I never did, but thank goodness others have.

Although serrico's “The Flat in Bath” doesn't appear to be available on AO3, the author's Dreamwidth post includes the 2001 story itself (in roman) with the author’s interpolated 2004 commentary (in italics). Of the Gilesfic that I’ve read over the years, this is the work that’s stayed with me. It captures essential truths about the character, and it reminds me of Head's performance very vividly.

Comments

[kitarella_imagines]

A real shock isn't it. Can't believe it. After Nicholas Brendan and Michelle Trachtenberg, the Buffy cast must be reeling.

Not sure what to say about Anthony Head, he played so many great roles. Gosh.

[kathleen_dailey]

It is a shock. He was one of those actors who could (and should) have continued to portray compelling characters for another twenty years. It's a great loss.

[kitarella_imagines]

I wonder if he was heartbroken after the death of his wife, she died 6 months ago. I've seen a lot of older couples do that- one dies very soon after the other. It's so sad for their children though! Those poor daughters losing both parents in such a short space of time. My friend had that happen, her mum died about 2 years ago and her dad died about a year later, she is reeling 😔

[mrs_leary]

Oh! How desperately sorry I am to hear this. Without him, Buffy, Merlin and Ted Lasso would all have been half what they are. And such a sweetheart in person, too.

[kathleen_dailey]

Yes, he brought so much depth and dimension to his characters. I have no doubt that he was as appealing in person as he was onscreen. I'm so sorry that he's gone.

[kitarella_imagines]

Sorry to butt in, I had forgotten Anthony was in 'Merlin'. He was one of those actors who turned up in a lot of good shows and played a lot of memorable roles, never showing off or acting like a prima donna, just quietly 'there' doing good acting. Another friend reminded me he played a very funny role in 'Little Britain' as the Prime Minister.

[kathleen_dailey]

I also remember him as the bad-guy art curator in an episode of New Tricks. He was so good in that guest role!

[kitarella_imagines]

I'd forgotten that but when I looked up your link, it was 22 years ago, so no wonder I forgot 😅 He was such a reliable actor.

[jenab]

I was so sad to hear of his passing. VR.5 and the Nescafe commercials were my first introduction to him and he left a lasting impression.

[kathleen_dailey]

I was so sad to hear of his passing.

Me too. I first saw him in the Nescafe commercials. He had such presence and charm, even in those 60-second commercial melodramas!