'I'm not ok': Sarah Michelle Gellar pays heartfelt tribute to Anthony Head after his death at 72

Sarah Michelle Gellar thanked Anthony Head's daughters and referenced a beloved 'Buffy' moment while honoring her late co-star
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared personal photos and a heartfelt message in memory of Anthony Head (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for iHeartRadio, AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File)
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared personal photos and a heartfelt message in memory of Anthony Head (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for iHeartRadio, AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sarah Michelle Gellar paid a heartfelt tribute to her 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' co-star Anthony Head following the actor's death on Friday, June 5. He was 72.

The actress, who starred alongside Head on the hit supernatural drama, shared an emotional Instagram Story, admitting she was "not ok" as she mourned the loss of her longtime friend, mentor, and colleague. Head was best known for portraying Rupert Giles, Buffy's trusted mentor on the series.

Gellar is among several stars who have spoken out since Head's daughters, Daisy Head and Emily Head, confirmed his passing. According to reports, the actor died from complications related to pneumonia.

Sarah Michelle Gellar attends the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount+'s
Sarah Michelle Gellar attended the Los Angeles premiere of Paramount+'s 'Teen Wolf: The Movie' at Harmony Gold (Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

Sarah Michelle Gellar shares emotional tribute to Anthony Head

The actress shared a series of photos spanning their years together. The first image showed Head with his daughters, Daisy and Emily. Another featured Gellar alongside Head and her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr. A third photo captured a close moment between the two, while the final slide included a memorable scene from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

The clip came from the Season 2 episode 'Lie to Me', where Buffy asks Giles if life ever gets easier. When she asks him to lie to her, he paints a simple world where heroes always win, villains are easy to spot, and everyone gets a happy ending.

Promotional portrait of the cast for the television series, 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer,' c. 1997. L-R: Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charisma Carpenter and Alyson Hannigan. (Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images)
Anthony Head's portrayal of Rupert Giles helped make 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' a television phenomenon (Fotos International/Getty Images )

Alongside the photos, Gellar referenced one of the show's most emotional lines, writing, “Tell Giles I figured it out and I'm ok.” She then added, “Well, I don't have it figured out and I'm not ok.”

“Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world,” Gellar concluded.

Anthony Head's daughters confirm cause of death

Anthony Head's daughters, Daisy and Emily, confirmed in a statement to NBC News that he passed away peacefully from complications related to pneumonia, with his family by his side.

They said he deeply loved his work and felt fortunate to have spent decades in the entertainment industry, collaborating with talented people across numerous productions. They added that he would be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and fans who admired both his performances and his kindness.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' cast members remember Anthony Head

Following the announcement, several members of the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' cast shared tributes to Head.

David Boreanaz, who played Angel, described him as a kind and steady presence on set, praising his humor and the positive energy he brought from the very beginning.

He also extended his condolences to the actor's family. On Instagram, Boreanaz wrote that Head was “so kind and generous of a soul,” adding a simple, “RIP.”

Emma Caulfield, who portrayed Anya on the series, also paid tribute by sharing a selfie with Head and reflecting on their friendship.

Head's portrayal of Rupert Giles made him one of the most beloved figures in the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' universe, earning admiration from generations of viewers and cementing his place in television history.

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