Alyson Hannigan marked the death of her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star Anthony Stewart Head with a vulnerable Instagram tribute, remembering their seven-season partnership and the love they shared on screen.
When Alyson Hannigan posted her grief for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star Anthony Stewart Head, it landed with the force of a cut that still hasn’t closed.
On Saturday. June 6. Hannigan. 52. shared a poignant Instagram message that began. “This cut is so deep I fear it can never heal.” She wrote that she was “so grateful to have had you in my life. ” then added: “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.”.
Hannigan and Head starred together for seven seasons on the cult classic supernatural horror series. Hannigan played wiccan hero Willow Rosenberg, while Head portrayed Buffy’s watcher Rupert Giles.
The outpouring didn’t stay confined to Hannigan’s post for long. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who led “Buffy” as the title character, responded in the comment section with, “He loved you so dearly Aly.”
Head’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, had announced the death the day before. On Friday, June 5, they revealed that their father died after a battle with pneumonia. In their statement. they said. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father. Anthony Head. ” adding that he “passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia. surrounded by his family.”.
The daughters continued. “It has been. and forever will be. an honor and a privilege to be his daughters. and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many.” They said they knew he would be “dearly” missed by “friends. colleagues. and fans of the shows he was in. ” noting. “he loved his job very much. and he always considered himself incredibly lucky. to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people. in such wonderful productions. across a career that spanned several decades.”.
Other “Buffy” stars also weighed in after the announcement. David Boreanaz, Eliza Dushku, James Marsters and Emma Caulfield reflected on the life and legacy of their late co-star. Dushku, 45, shared via her Instagram Story: “Tony H ~ For every scene & time shared, I give thanks. Rest in love and peace, kind sir. A dear one.”.
Gellar, 49, offered support in her own memorial message as well, quoting an iconic moment from the series. “Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok.” Well I don’t have it figured out and I’m not ok. ” she wrote via Instagram on Friday. She added, “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 loss echoed through a cast community that has faced multiple tragedies in recent years. Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers, died from complications of diabetes mellitus at age 39 in February 2025. Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris, died at age 54 in March after a multitude of medical issues. An autopsy report obtained by Us Weekly determined that Brendon had atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. with acute pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction. a.k.a. heart attack, as a contributing factor.
Alyson Hannigan Anthony Stewart Head Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rupert Giles Willow Rosenberg Sarah Michelle Gellar Emily Head Daisy Head pneumonia
Wow, Buffy was my childhood, this is so sad.
I don’t really get it, like was this Anthony Stewart Head or the guy from some other show? Either way pneumonia is terrifying. RIP.
Wait so he died from pneumonia complications?? I thought pneumonia was usually fixable if you catch it early. That just makes it feel extra unfair. Alyson’s post sounds brutal, can’t imagine.
Sarah Michelle Gellar saying “He loved you so dearly” is hitting me harder than I expected. I always liked Rupert Giles more than Willow tbh, but both were important. Also people keep saying “Buffy death” like it’s the characters, not the actor, lol. Either way RIP Anthony Head, man.