Buffy stars react to the death of Giles actor Anthony Stewart Head

Anthony Stewart Head has died. The actor was known to audiences worldwide for his role as Rupert Giles in the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." According to his daughters Emily and Daisy, he "passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family," as reported by the BBC. He was 72 years old.

Born on February 20, 1954, in Camden Town, London, the actor appeared in numerous film, television, and theater roles throughout his decades-long career. In recent years, he appeared in the hit comedy series "Ted Lasso," among other projects. However, most viewers are likely to associate Anthony Stewart Head primarily with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." In the horror series, he played the Watcher Rupert Giles for seven seasons, serving as a mentor to the titular vampire slayer Buffy and becoming a father figure to her over the course of the series.

Sarah Michelle Gellar: "I know I'm the lucky one because I knew you"

In light of his passing, several "Buffy" stars have spoken out. They've reacted on social media with heartfelt posts. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the title character Buffy Summers in the series, began her Instagram post with a quote from the show: "Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok." She added:

"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."

Alyson Hannigan: "This cut is so deep"

Alyson Hannigan played Buffy's best friend Willow Rosenberg in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Her post begins with the poignant words: "This cut is so deep I fear it can never heal." She then continues:

"I am so grateful to have had you in my life! I want to say a million wonderful things about you and yet I can't seem to find the words that would do you justice. I love you so much and will miss you forever. RIP"

David Boreanaz: "All kindness and a soul that was inspiring to me"

David Boreanaz, who played the vampire Angel, commented on Instagram on an older photo of himself and Anthony Stewart Head:

"This is how I met Anthony, in laughter and smile always. And this is how I will remember him always. All kindness and a soul that was inspiring to me. Thank you brother. RIP"

Charisma Carpenter: "I am deeply sorry"

Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," wrote a particularly detailed social media post. In it, she writes, among other things:

"Tony brought life to a character who, for so many, was the father figure they needed but didn't have at home. Fans far and wide are surely grieving, and for that, I am deeply sorry."

James Marsters: "There's a hole in the World"

James Marsters, known for his role as the vampire Spike in the series, highlights, among other things, Anthony Stewart Head's acting talents:

"There's a hole in the World. Anthony Head has passed on from us. He was an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of Buffy, and the best actor in the cast. He was the best of us. I was lucky to have known, and learned from him. He left the world a better place for his presence. Thank you Tony for all you gave."

Emma Caulfield: "You are so missed"

Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," posted a photo of herself with Anthony Stewart Head from 2011. She wrote these moving words:

"He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed."

Deceased Buffy cast members

Anthony Stewart Head is not the only main cast member of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" who has passed away. Just a few months ago, another cast member, Nicholas Brendon, died. The actor, who played Buffy's best friend Xander Harris in the series, passed in his sleep of natural causes, according to his family. He was 54 years old. In February of last year, Michelle Trachtenberg passed away. The actress, who played Buffy's younger sister Dawn, died at the age of 39 from complications related to diabetes.