Diana Rigg

Diana Rigg was a celebrated English actress whose career spanned over six decades across stage, film, and television. She achieved international fame for her portrayal of Emma Peel in the iconic 1960s television series The Avengers and later captivated audiences as Olenna Tyrell in the global phenomenon Game of Thrones. Renowned for her commanding presence, sharp wit, and formidable talent, Rigg was equally celebrated in the theatre, receiving critical acclaim for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on Broadway.

Early life and education

Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg was born in Doncaster, then part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Her father, a railway engineer, worked for the Indian Railways, leading the family to live in Jodhpur, British India, during her early childhood. She was educated at the Moravian boarding school Fulneck School in Pudsey, West Yorkshire. Her initial training in acting began at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she graduated in 1957.

Career

Rigg's professional stage career commenced with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she performed in productions of works by William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Her breakthrough came on television when she was cast as Emma Peel opposite Patrick Macnee in The Avengers, a role that made her a fashion icon and a symbol of 1960s female empowerment. She transitioned to film, notably playing Tracy Bond in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service opposite George Lazenby. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she maintained a prolific career in British television, starring in acclaimed series like The Mrs Bradley Mysteries and winning a BAFTA TV Award for her performance in Mother Love. Her later career was highlighted by her scene-stealing role as Olenna Tyrell in HBO's Game of Thrones. On stage, she triumphed on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her performance in Medea.

Personal life

Rigg was married twice, first to Israeli painter Menachem Gueffen and later to Scottish theatre producer Archibald Stirling; both marriages ended in divorce. With Stirling, she had one daughter, actress Rachael Stirling. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1994 for her services to drama. Rigg was known for her intelligence, outspoken nature, and dedication to her craft, often advocating for better pay and conditions for actors.

Death and legacy

Diana Rigg died of cancer at her home in London on 10 September 2020. Her death was met with widespread tributes from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues from The Avengers, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Game of Thrones praising her immense talent and influence. Her legacy endures as one of Britain's most versatile and respected actresses, remembered for breaking the mold of the female action hero, her Shakespearean prowess, and her ability to command any medium with unparalleled authority and charisma.

Filmography and stage work

A selective list of her notable credits includes the television series The Avengers (1965–1968) and Game of Thrones (2013–2017); films such as On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), The Hospital (1971), and The Great Muppet Caper (1981); and landmark stage performances in Abelard and Heloise in the West End, Colette on Broadway, and Medea at the Almeida Theatre and on Broadway, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

Category:English actresses Category:1938 births Category:2020 deaths