United Kingdom, June 5 -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head has died at the age of 72.

The British actor - who became famous across the globe thanks to his role as Rupert Giles in Joss Whedon's hit teen vampire show in the 1990s - "passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia".

He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death.

A statement released by his actress daughters Emily Head and Daisy Head read: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father, Anthony Head.

"He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.

"It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand th...