James Marsters, known for his role as the vampire Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has shared that his character's longevity on the show was significantly aided by Anthony Head, who portrayed Rupert Giles. Marsters revealed that Head, a native Brit, provided crucial tutoring for his then-developing British accent, which Marsters feared was not convincing enough to sustain the character.
Marsters, who joined the series in its second season, explained at a recent convention that early scripts, written by American staff, contained phonetic spellings that led to his mispronunciation of common British slang. He recalled an incident where he used the word "bullocks" as spelled, which prompted Head to intervene.
According to Marsters, Head would take time during lunch breaks to go through his lines, ensuring he wouldn't "embarrass him back home." This dedicated coaching, Marsters believes, was instrumental in Spike's continued presence on the show, stating, "I swear, without his help, I don't think the character would have lasted."
Marsters also expressed his admiration for Head, calling him "the best actor on Buffy, and the best human," and noting his consistent patience and kindness as a stabilizing force for the cast. Head passed away last month at the age of 72 due to complications from pneumonia. His extensive career included roles in Little Britain, Merlin, and Ted Lasso, but he remains most recognized for his role as Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The passing of Anthony Head has been met with widespread tributes from fans and former colleagues. This loss follows the recent deaths of other Buffy the Vampire Slayer regulars, including Xander actor Nicholas Brendon and Dawn actress Michelle Trachtenberg.