Diana Rigg Biography
Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg DME was an English actress of stage and screen, known for her captivating performances and iconic roles.
Born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, on 20 July 1938, she spent much of her youth in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, where she learned Hindi as her second language.
Rigg made her professional stage debut in 1957 and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. She went on to star in many West end and Broadway productions including Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (1972), Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra (1985), and the lead role in Medea (1992-94) in both London and New York.
Rigg’s most memorable screen roles include Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers (1965-1968) alongside Honor Blackman and Patrick Macnee. her three years in this role installed her legacy and gave her a sex symbol. She went on to star as Bond girl Teresa “Tracy” Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), becoming the only Bond girl to marry 007.
More recently, Diana Rigg starred in Game of Thrones (2013-2017) as Olenna Tyrell from seasons 3 to 7.
Among her many awards, Diana Rigg won a 1990 BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for her role in Mother Love. She also won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Medea in 1994.
In June 1994, Diana Rigg became a ‘Dame’ after being knighted with the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to theatre and film.
Dame Diana Rigg passed away in September 2020 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances that have captivated audiences for generations.
A selection of Diana Rigg Photos
Diana Rigg FAQs
How old was Diana Rigg when she died?
Diana Rigg passed away on September 10, 2020, at the age of 82.
How old was Diana Rigg in The Avengers?
Diana Rigg played the role of Emma Peel in the 1960s TV series The Avengers from 1965 to 1968, when she was between the ages of 27 and 30.
Did Diana Rigg do her own stunts in The Avengers?
Yes, she did her own stunts in The Avengers. She was highly skilled in martial arts and had a strong physical presence that allowed her to perform many of her character’s fight scenes and action sequences. However, she did have a stunt double for more dangerous stunts.
What other roles is Diana Rigg known for?
Diana Rigg had a long and distinguished acting career. She is also known for her roles in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the BBC miniseries Bleak House, and the TV series Game of Thrones. In addition, she performed extensively in theater, including a Tony-winning performance in the play Medea.
Was Diana Rigg married?
Diana Rigg was married twice. Her first marriage was to Menachem Gueffen, an Israeli painter, in 1973. They divorced in 1976. Her second marriage was to Archibald Stirling, a Scottish landowner, in 1982. They remained married until Stirling’s death in 2018.
Did Diana Rigg receive any awards for her acting?
Yes, she received numerous awards and nominations for her acting throughout her career. She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Medea in 1994. She won an Emmy for her role in the TV series Game of Thrones in 2013. In addition, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994 for her services to drama.