'Ted Lasso' Season 4, Episode 9 Honors Late Actor Anthony Head

Apple TV+'s Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso paid tribute to the late Anthony Head in Season 4, Episode 9, titled “Mae Rides the Bus.” The episode concluded with a dedication to the actor, who passed away in June 2026.

Head, a theater, television, and film actor, played Rupert Mannion, Rebecca Welton's ex-husband and former owner of AFC Richmond, in 18 episodes across the first three seasons of Ted Lasso. Annette Badland, who plays Mae, described Head as "funny, bright, inclusive, generous. He had the humor—that wry humor—and was a very beautiful man."

Beyond Ted Lasso, Head amassed over 140 film and television credits. He is widely recognized for his role as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and also appeared in Merlin, Little Britain, and Cabin Pressure. Many viewers also remember his Nescafé Gold Blend coffee advertisements from the 1980s and 1990s.

Anthony Head died at the age of 72 from complications due to pneumonia, according to a statement released by his daughters, Emily and Daisy. Tributes following his death came from fans and colleagues, including Ted Lasso cast members like Brett Goldstein and Jeremy Swift. Goldstein shared on Instagram, "Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person. Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed."

Hannah Waddingham, who plays Rebecca Welton, reflected on Head's impact, stating, "There is no Rebecca without Rupert. He undoubtedly made my Rebecca what she was. He was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. Even finer as a human."

Ted Lasso Season 4 was filmed before Head’s death, leading some fans to speculate about a potential posthumous appearance. However, Head did not appear in new scenes in Season 4. The character of Rupert Mannion was addressed offscreen in Episode 9, as Higgins investigated mysterious share purchases of AFC Richmond, suspecting Rupert was behind the move to secretly reclaim the team.

Despite Rupert Mannion not receiving a redemption arc, Goldstein noted that the character's detestability was a testament to Head's acting prowess. The show's tribute acknowledges Head's legacy through the characters he embodied and the lives he touched.