dpApple TV’s Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso finally featured a touching tribute to the late Anthony Head in Season 4, Episode 9, “Mae Rides the Bus.”
While we won’t spoil the show-altering events in Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 9, we will share that Mae (Annette Badland) joins the Lady Greyhounds on the road for a big game. Keeley (Juno Temple) shares big news. And there’s more than one reason for big tears at the end of the episode. But right before the end credits roll, Kingfishr’s “Oh Love” begins to play, and the words “In memory of Anthony Head” flash on-screen.
While longtime Ted Lasso fans might not have to ask “Who is Anthony Head?” or what his relationship to Ted Lasso was, they may still be curious about the show’s immense loss. Here’s what to know about Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 8’s tribute card to Anthony Head, including comments from our interview with Badland.
Who Is Anthony Head On Ted Lasso? Season 4, Episode 9’s Tribute Card Explained
Anthony Head was the beloved, immensely talented actor who played Rebecca’s ex-husband and former AFC Richmond club owner, Rupert Manion, in 18 episodes over Ted Lasso‘s first three seasons. “[He was funny, bright, inclusive, generous. He had the humor — that wry humor — and was a very beautiful man,” Badland told DECIDER during an interview ahead of Episode 409’s premiere.
In addition to Ted Lasso, the actor, singer, and theater star had 140 film and television credits on IMDb. Though he’s likely best known for his long-running role as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he also starred in Merlin, Little Britain, Cabin Pressure, Free Agents, Dominion, and more. And who could forget his role as Tony “The Gold-Blend man” opposite Sharon Maughan’s Sharon in 80s and 90s Nescafé Gold Blend instant coffee TV ads?
How Did Anthony Head Die?
BBC News reported that Head died at age 72 in June 2026. Per a statement from his daughters Emily and Daisy, “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 the impact both he and his work have had on so many,” the statement continued. And following news of Head’s death, tributes poured online from fans and peers, with Ted Lasso stars like Brett Goldstein, Jeremy Swift, and more paying respects.
“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. Love to his family,” Goldstein wrote in an Instagram Story.
“Goodbye Tony, we adored you, Rest in Peace my friend,” Swift wrote.
In an interview with Marie Claire, Waddingham said, “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. He loved the craft, loved his fellow actors entirely, knew everybody on the crew’s name, and was always there for everyone else.”
How Did Ted Lasso Write Rupert Off The Show?
As Higgins investigated a number of AFC Richmond shares mysteriously being bought in Ted Lasso Episode 408, Mae advised him to “follow the anger.” Before the episode concluded, he burst into Rebecca’s office and interrupted her conversation with Zelda to say, “I think I know who’s buying the shares. Who do you think would make a play to steal a team in secret from you?” Rebecca took a moment to think before answering, “Rupert,” and viewers were meant to believe that the case is cracked! But was it a red herring?
Since Ted Lasso Season 4 was filmed before Head’s death, some fans hoped he’d filmed Season 4 scenes and would make a posthumous appearance in the series — largely because Ted Lasso hadn’t honored him a tribute card to him yet. While we would have loved to have seen Head on the show one final time, he didn’t appear in Season 4, Episode 9. Instead, offscreen discussions were had through Rupert’s lawyers.
While Rupert unfortunately won’t get one of Ted Lasso‘s famous on-screen redemption journeys, as Goldstein said, the fact that the character was so detested was a testament to Head’s incredible acting abilities. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, characters he embodied, projects he enhanced, and of course, through Ted Lasso‘s thoughtful tribute.
New episodes of Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere Wednesday on Apple TV.
