Last week, the world was shocked and saddened by the news of actor Anthony Head's death at the age of 72 due to complications from pneumonia. The star, best known for his roles as Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso, left a lasting legacy.
On Wednesday's episode of The One Show (June 10), presenters Angellica Bell and JB Gill spoke with actor Colin Morgan about his former co-star. The 40-year-old Morgan starred alongside Head in the children's fantasy series Merlin, which aired from 2008 to 2012. Head played King Uther Pendragon, while Morgan portrayed the title character.
Addressing Head's death, Angellica asked Morgan about his memories. He replied: "Yeah, I was so shocked and heartbroken to hear about his loss last week. He was such a pinnacle of a role model to me and all the young cast of Merlin. I have such incredible memories of working with him. Right now, my thoughts go out to his daughters, Daisy and Emily."
JB Gill added: "Yeah, condolences to his family as well."
The news of Head's death was confirmed by his daughter in a statement released on Friday, June 5. It read: "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 first-hand the impact both he and his work have had on so many."
Since the announcement, tributes have flooded in from former co-stars including Matt Lucas, Charisma Carpenter, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Alongside a photo of them all years ago, Gellar wrote on Instagram: "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."
The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm.
