The Avengers Actress Diana Rigg Died at 82
English actress Diana Rigg died at 82 today in her home. She’s known for her roles in The Avengers, Game of Thrones, and the theatrical production of Medea.
Wait? THE Avengers?
The celebrated and award winning actress appeared in numerous films and stage productions. She co-stared in 3 of 7 seasons of The Avengers, a 1960’s British spy show with a hint of science fiction that strongly mirrors the cult phenomenon Dr. Who.
Even though that Avengers isn’t what you think of when we talk about Avengers in the MCU, Diana Rigg’s career has spanned a wide array of theater and film productions of note. More recently, she played Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones.
Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell, Game of Thrones
Rigg won a Tony award for her titular role in the production of Medea in 1992. She won her first 1987 for Stephen Sondheim’s musical Follies.
“Diana Rigg died peacefully early this morning. She was at home with her family who have asked for privacy at this difficult time. Diana was a much loved and admired member of her profession, a force of nature who loved her work and her fellow actors. She will be greatly missed,”
her agent Simon Beresford said.
A Leaving a Legacy
Diana Rigg was born in 1938 in Doncaster, England. She spent some of her childhood in India before coming home to the UK to attend boarding school. In 1955, she enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic arts and then worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 1969, she starred in On Her majesty’s Secret Service with George Lazenby. Rigg’s character Tracy is the only female lead to have snagged the secrete agent’s last name, but their nuptuals were short lived when she meets a tragic end.
Diana Rigg and Gabriele Ferzetti in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
“My Beloved Ma died peacefully in her sleep early this morning, at home, surrounded by family. She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words,”
added Rigg’s daughter Rachael Stirling.
When reflecting on the actress’ death at 82, fans can see that Diana Rigg lived a full life with a lasting impact on popular culture.
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