From the moment Dame Diana Rigg first graced our screens, she stole the show. She always put her whole heart into her performances, and she will go down in history as one of the greatest performers of all time.
Here’s a look at some of her most notable roles in her long, illustrious career in movies and television.
Rigg starred in “The Avengers.” No, not THAT Avengers. This one premiered in Britain in 1961. She made the first of her 51 appearances on the series as Emma Peel in 1963. The show blended the spy genre with sci-fi, and fantasy, which was perfect for Rigg. Her obvious intelligence, and sense of humor fit Peel like the cat-suit she wore.
In addition to Emmy nominations in 1967 and 1968, she and co-stars Honor Blackman, Joanna Lumley, and Linda Thorson were honored with a special BAFTA Award in 2000.
The year after her final episode of “The Avengers,” Rigg appeared alongside George Lazenby in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” While the film itself isn’t the most popular of the James Bond franchise, her appearance as Tracy was one of the best parts of the movie. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and allowed herself to shine.
It would be impossible to avoid mentioning arguably her most notable character in recent years Lady Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns. For the uninitiated, she was the grandmother to the Queen Margaery in “Game of Thrones.” Rigg first appeared in s3e2, “Dark Wings, Dark Words.” Her last was s7e3, “The Queen’s Justice.” Lady Olenna was known for her sarcasm, sharp wit, and endless devotion to her family. Rigg was (again) nominated for an Emmy for her work on the show in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Rigg’s other notable roles on the small screen include “Doctor Who” in 2013, and “You, Me, and the Apocalypse” in 2016. Her last project was a TV-mini-series called “Black Narcissus,” which is currently in post-production.
Rigg was awarded the title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to cinema, and theater. She is also the winner or nominee for multiple Emmys, BAFTA Awards, and a Golden Globe.
Enid Diana Elizabth Rigg was born in Yorkshire, England in 1938. She spent years both on screen and on stage, until she passed away at the age of 82. She will be sorely missed.
Do you have a favorite Diana Rigg performance?
