Dame Diana Rigg was one of Britain’s most versatile and celebrated actors, leaving a mark on stage, film, and television that spanned more than six decades. From her groundbreaking role as Emma Peel in the 1960s spy-fi series The Avengers to her unforgettable turn as the sharp-tongued Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, she commanded the screen with intelligence, wit, and grace. She passed away on 10 September 2020 at the age of 82, following a battle with lung cancer.
Born Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg in Doncaster, Yorkshire, on 20 July 1938, she spent part of her childhood in India before returning to England to train as an actress. Her early work with the Royal Shakespeare Company established her as a classically trained performer of exceptional range. What followed was a career that few could match: a Bond girl who married 007, a Tony-winning stage star, and a late-career icon in the era of prestige television.
What was Diana Rigg’s cause of death?
July 20, 1938 | Sept 10, 2020
Emma Peel (The Avengers), Olenna Tyrell (Game of Thrones)
Daughter: Rachael Stirling
Cancer
- Diana Rigg redefined the “action woman” archetype in the 1960s with her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers.
- Despite being a Bond girl, her role in Game of Thrones introduced her to a new generation, cementing a career that spanned more than 50 years.
- Her daughter, Rachael Stirling, is also an actress, continuing the family legacy in British television and theatre.
- She received a Tony Award for her performance in Medea on Broadway and was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1994.
- Her career moved from the glamour of 1960s television to classical theatre, and finally to the global phenomenon of streaming-era prestige TV.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg |
| Stage Name | Dame Diana Rigg |
| Birthplace | Doncaster, Yorkshire, England |
| Age at Death | 82 years old |
| Major Awards | Tony Award, BAFTA TV Award |
| Spouse | Archibald Stirling (m. 1973; div. 1990), Menen (m. 1982; div. 1990) |
Diana Rigg was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2020. She died peacefully at home in London on 10 September 2020, surrounded by her family, according to a statement released by her daughter, Rachael Stirling. The BBC obituary confirmed the cause of death as cancer, though the specific type of cancer was not officially disclosed beyond lung cancer references in biographical sources.
Who is Diana Rigg’s daughter?
Diana Rigg’s only child is Rachael Stirling, born in 1977 during Rigg’s marriage to Archibald Stirling. Rachael Stirling is an accomplished actress in her own right, known for roles in television series such as The Bletchley Circle, Tipping the Velvet, and most recently Doctor Who. She continues to work actively in British film and television, and obituary sources note that Rigg was survived by Rachael and her grandson Jack.
Rigg was married twice. Her first marriage was to Archibald Stirling, a Scottish laird and former army officer, in 1973; they divorced in 1990. She later married Menen, a painter, in 1982, but that marriage also ended in divorce in 1990. Details of her relationship with her father remain largely private, but her bond with her daughter was well documented in interviews and public appearances.
Diana Rigg’s daughter, Rachael Stirling, has spoken publicly about the influence her mother had on her career. In interviews following Rigg’s death, Stirling described her mother as a “magnificent human being” and a “wonderful actress,” reflecting the deep respect between the two.
What was Diana Rigg like when she was young?
Diana Rigg spent part of her early childhood in India, where her father worked for the railways. The family returned to England when she was a child, and she later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. Colleagues from her early years described her as strikingly tall—she stood 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)—and possessed of a sharp intelligence that served her well in both comedy and drama.
What movies and TV shows was Diana Rigg in?
Diana Rigg’s filmography is a testament to her extraordinary range. She appeared in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) as Tracy di Vicenzo, the only woman to marry 007. On television, she was the iconic Emma Peel in The Avengers (1965–1968), a role that redefined how women were portrayed in action series. She later played Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones (2013–2017), a role that earned her an Emmy nomination and introduced her to a global audience. On stage, she won a Tony Award for her performance in Medea (1994) and was celebrated for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Other notable credits include The Great Muppet Caper, Evil Under the Sun, Rebecca, and the television series The Mrs Bradley Mysteries. She also appeared in Doctor Who alongside her daughter Rachael Stirling in the 2013 episode “The Crimson Horror.”
Her career was marked by a willingness to move between genres and mediums, from Shakespearean tragedy to comic farce, from big-budget blockbusters to intimate television dramas. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1994, a recognition of her services to drama. Her legacy endures not only in the characters she brought to life but also in the path she forged for women in the performing arts.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.