Ted Lasso paid tribute to actor Anthony Head following his death at 72, dedicating the closing moments of the latest episode to the performer who played AFC Richmond owner Rupert Mannion.
The tribute appeared at the end of “Mae Rides the Bus,” the penultimate episode of the Apple TV comedy’s fourth season, which aired Wednesday, Sept. 30. A simple title card appeared on screen reading, “In Memory of Anthony Head.”
Head died on June 5 at the age of 72. His daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, confirmed his death, saying he died from complications related to pneumonia.
Head’s Role on Ted Lasso
Head portrayed Rupert Mannion in 18 episodes of Ted Lasso, appearing throughout the show’s first three seasons. His final appearance came in “So Long, Farewell,” which was released in May 2023.
Rupert served as the former owner of AFC Richmond and became one of the show’s recurring characters, frequently crossing paths with the club and its new leadership.
The tribute was especially notable because Head had not appeared in the fourth season. Annette Badland, who plays Mae Green on the series, said she had expected the actor to return before learning that he had been ill.
Speaking to Deadline, Badland remembered Head warmly and described him as a “beautiful man” who would be greatly missed.
She recalled him as charming, funny and generous, adding that the two often shared playful conversations while working together. Badland also said she considered it an honor that she appeared in the episode dedicated to him.
A Difficult Episode for the Cast
The tribute came during an emotionally significant episode for the series itself. In the same installment, the show revealed the death of Mae Green, the owner of The Crown & Anchor pub and a longtime character played by Badland.
Mae collapsed in the stands during an away match in Bristol City involving the Lady Greyhounds.
The timing gave the episode an additional connection to loss, as Ted Lasso simultaneously said goodbye to one of its real-life performers while depicting the death of a beloved fictional character.
Remembered Beyond Ted Lasso
Head was widely recognized for roles beyond Ted Lasso. Among his best-known performances was his portrayal of Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a role that made him particularly familiar to television audiences.
Following news of his death in June, former Buffy castmates shared tributes online. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside Head in the series, wrote that she felt fortunate to have known him.
Head’s daughters also reflected on the reach of his career, acknowledging the effect he and his work had on audiences around the world.
In a statement following his death, Emily and Daisy Head said friends, colleagues and fans would deeply miss him. They also highlighted his love for acting and his appreciation for the opportunity to work with talented people throughout a career spanning several decades.
His work across television and film remains part of his lasting legacy, with Ted Lasso now adding its own tribute to the actor’s memory.
