Matt Lucas leads tributes to late Little Britain co-star Anthony Head

British actor Anthony Head has died at the age of 72 due to complications from pneumonia, his family has confirmed, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and co-stars across film and television.

Head, best known for his role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his daughters, actresses Daisy Head and Emily Head.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head,” the statement said.

“He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”

The family added that it had been an “honour and a privilege” to be his daughters and to witness the impact of both his work and his personal influence on those around him.

Tributes quickly began pouring in from across the entertainment industry, including from comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who worked with Head on the sketch comedy series Little Britain.

Lucas described Head as “unfailingly brilliant” and recalled how unexpectedly he joined the cast despite the team initially searching only for someone similar in style.

“When we were casting Little Britain, we were looking for a ‘Tony Head-type,’ because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was,” Lucas wrote on X. “He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm.”

Lucas also sent condolences to Head’s family, adding that his heart went out to his daughters Daisy and Emily.

Actor Emma Caulfield, who starred alongside Head in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, also paid tribute, sharing a personal reflection and a throwback photo from 2011 taken in London.

She described him as a close friend of 27 years, recalling shared moments of laughter, travel, and companionship, and calling him “kind and wise” and “a guide in troubled times.”

“He was so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed,” she wrote, adding that she would always remember their time together fondly.

Head’s daughters said their father’s legacy would continue to be felt through his extensive body of work and the many lives he touched throughout his career.