Mae Ted Lasso episode 9 pays tribute to Anthony Head
Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 9, “Mae Rides the Bus,” ends with a tribute card reading “In memory of Anthony Head,” who played Rupert Manion. The Mae Ted Lasso storyline puts Annette Badland’s Mae on the road with the Lady Greyhounds as Apple TV honors the late Buffy and Richmond star.
Key Takeaways
- Episode 9 closes with “In memory of Anthony Head” as Kingfishr’s “Oh Love” plays over the end credits.
- Head portrayed Rupert Manion, Rebecca’s ex-husband and former AFC Richmond owner, in 18 episodes across Seasons 1–3.
- BBC News reported Head died at 72 in June 2026 of pneumonia complications, surrounded by family.
- Rupert does not appear on screen in Episode 9; Season 4 references him through offscreen lawyer talks.
- New Ted Lasso Season 4 episodes premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV.
What happens in the Mae Ted Lasso episode that honors Anthony Head?
According to Decider, Season 4, Episode 9 is titled “Mae Rides the Bus.” Mae (Annette Badland) joins the Lady Greyhounds on the road for a big game, Keeley (Juno Temple) shares major news, and the hour builds to more than one reason for tears.
Right before the end credits, Kingfishr’s “Oh Love” begins, and the words “In memory of Anthony Head” appear on screen. For more Apple TV pickup alerts, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Who was Anthony Head on Ted Lasso?
Head was the actor behind Rupert Manion, the charming antagonist fans loved to hate. He appeared in 18 episodes over the first three seasons and was widely known as Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with credits also including Merlin, Little Britain, and Cabin Pressure.
Badland told Decider ahead of Episode 409 that Head was “funny, bright, inclusive, generous,” praising his wry humor. After his death, co-stars including Brett Goldstein, Jeremy Swift, and Hannah Waddingham paid public tributes. Waddingham told Marie Claire there is “no Rebecca without Rupert,” calling him one of the finest gentlemen she had met.
How did Ted Lasso write Rupert off after Head’s death?
Decider notes Season 4 was filmed before Head died, so fans hoped for a posthumous appearance. Episode 9 does not feature him on screen. Instead, Rupert is discussed via his lawyers after Episode 408 hinted he might be secretly buying AFC Richmond shares.
Head’s daughters Emily and Daisy said he “passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia.” The Episode 9 card is the show’s on-screen memorial. Fresh Season 4 installments continue to land Wednesdays on Apple TV.