Acting Legend Diana Rigg Dies At Age Of 82

Sep 10, 2020

English actress Diana Rigg — known for her roles in Game of Thrones, The Avengers, and James Bond — died Thursday at the age of 82 at her home in England.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Dame Diana Rigg died peacefully early this morning," Rigg’s agent Simon Beresford said in a statement this Thursday, according to CNN. "She was at home with her family who have asked for privacy at this difficult time."

CNN further reports that Rigg’s daughter Rachael Stirling said that her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer in March, "spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter, and a deep pride in her profession."

Rigg is perhaps most well known for her role on HBO’s Game Of Thrones, the wildly popular fantasy series based on George R. R. Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire. The actress joined the show during its third season in 2013 as Olenna Tyrell, or The Queen of Thorns. For her work on the series, she was repeatedly nominated for an Emmy in the Guest Actress category.

But despite Rigg’s most recent success on Game of Thrones, the English actress was also well-known for her performance as agent Emma Peel in the quirky 1960s British spy show The Avengers (not to be confused with Marvel’s Avengers series). Among Rigg’s most notable accomplishments include her BAFTA awards in addition to an Emmy for her role in Rebbecca and a Tony for her performance in Euripides’ play Medea.

Given Rigg’s long career in show business, the actress has earned quite a following of fans, friends, and admirers — many of whom took to social media to offer their condolences and celebrate Rigg’s legacy.

George Lazenby, Rigg’s James Bond co-star, wrote a long post on his Instagram account alongside a black and white photo of the two together.

“I'm so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg,” Lazenby wrote. “Her depth of experience really helped me. We were good friends on set. Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the Press looking for a news story. I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago. As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss. Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana's death, I weep again. My deepest condolences for her family.”

Game of Thrones co-star Mark Gatiss also took to social media to offer a tribute to the award-winning actress, writing: "It was my great joy and privilege to have known Diana Rigg. From three slightly hysterical months at the Old Vic in 'All About Mother' to writing The Crimson Horror for Diana and her wonderful daughter Rachael. Flinty, fearless, fabulous. There will never be another. RIP."

Rest in peace, Diana Rigg. What's your favorite Diana Rigg film? Let us know and keep Rigg's legacy alive by passing this news on.