Anthony Head's Partner Sarah Fisher Dies from Rare Thyroid Cancer
The long-term partner of Ted Lasso star Anthony Head, Sarah Fisher, has died after battling a rare and highly aggressive form of cancer, an inquest hearing has confirmed. Ms Fisher, aged 61, passed away on December 23 last year following a diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Details of the Tragic Loss
Avon Coroner's Court was informed that the animal rights campaigner died at her home at Tilley Farm, a 90-acre animal sanctuary near Timsbury, close to Bath. Ms Fisher had been in a relationship with veteran actor Anthony Head, 71, for 37 years. The actor first rose to fame in the iconic Nescafe Gold Blend adverts of the late 1980s and enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years.
Mr Head found new global fame thanks to the hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, in which he played ruthless club owner Rupert Mannion, as well as the BBC favourite Motherland. In a cruel parallel, Mr Head portrayed the husband of Meg, played by Tanya Moodie, whose Motherland character was diagnosed with cancer.
Family Tributes and Legacy
Emily Head, 37, who starred as Carli D’Amato in The Inbetweeners, and her sister Daisy, 34, who appeared in US drama Guilt, posted tributes to their mother as they shared the sad news in January. In a joint statement released on New Year’s Day, the sisters said their mother had died ‘with very little warning’.
‘We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently,’ they wrote. ‘It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning. No words could ever express all that she encompassed or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.’
Ms Fisher was also a long-term ambassador and fosterer for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and a patron of several charities, including Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in North Somerset. She also founded Animal Centred Education (ACE), an innovative approach she developed to improve animal welfare and training.
Community and Professional Tributes
Holly Hedge founder Pauline Leeson said: ‘It came as a shock to hear that the wonderful Sarah Fisher, Patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and advocate for all animals had passed away, and our hearts go out to Anthony, Ellie, Daisy and family. Sarah was always a voice for those dear souls who have no voice, and was the most genuine, caring and compassionate human being.’
World-renowned dog trainer and TV personality Victoria Stilwell also paid tribute, describing Ms Fisher as her ‘dear and treasured friend’. ‘Sarah was a fiercely loving mother, the ultimate advocate for animals’ wellbeing, and a truly irreplaceable light in our world - both within and well beyond the realm of dog training and behaviour,’ she said.
Medical Context and Personal Reflections
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is found in less than two per cent of patients suffering thyroid cancer and typically occurs in people over the age of 60. Cancer charity Macmillan states on its website: ‘Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest type of thyroid gland cancer. It is more common in women and mostly affects people over the age of 60. It usually grows more quickly than other types of thyroid cancer.’
Mr Head previously revealed that despite their years together Sarah had no interest in tying the knot and would tell him to 'f*** off' every time he proposed. Speaking in 2018 he said: 'She just isn’t interested [in getting married]. She says f**k off and then runs off to throw up'. 'I just can’t imagine my life without Sarah. And I definitely wouldn’t want to'.
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London also paid tribute to Ms Fisher. They said in a statement: 'We're truly sorry to lose our beloved friend and Ambassador Sarah Fisher and send our deepest sympathies to Sarah's partner Anthony, her daughters, and her family and friends.'
