Dame Diana Rigg was one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, known for her sharp wit and commanding presence on both stage and screen. She earned lasting fame as Emma Peel in The Avengers and captivated a new generation as Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. Her death in 2020 prompted widespread reflection on a career that spanned more than five decades.
Born Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg in Doncaster, Yorkshire, on 20 July 1938, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before building a reputation in classical theatre. She balanced Shakespearean roles with major television and film work, becoming a rare figure who was both a critics’ favourite and a household name.
She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994, a recognition of her lasting contribution to drama. Diana Rigg died in London on 10 September 2020 at the age of 82, with her family by her side.
What Was Diana Rigg’s Cause of Death?
- Diana Rigg was a rare actress who achieved iconic status in both classic TV (The Avengers) and modern fantasy (Game of Thrones).
- She was made a Dame in 1994 for her services to drama.
- Her final public advocacy was for assisted dying legislation, which she supported before her own death from cancer.
- Her daughter, Rachael Stirling, is also a well-known actress, continuing the family legacy.
- She won a BAFTA TV Award, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and an Olivier Award.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg |
| Born | 20 July 1938, Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 10 September 2020, London, England (aged 82) |
| Cause of death | Cancer (widely reported as lung cancer, diagnosed earlier that year) |
| Spouse | Menachem Gueffen (m. 1973; div. 1976), Archibald Stirling (m. 1982; div. 1990) |
| Children | Rachael Stirling (born 1977) |
| Notable awards | BAFTA TV Award, Emmy Award, Tony Award, Olivier Award, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) |
| Famous TV role 1 | Emma Peel in The Avengers (1965–1968) |
| Famous TV role 2 | Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones (2013–2019) |
| Bond role | Teresa di Vicenzo (Tracy Bond) in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) |
Official Cause of Death Announcement
Diana Rigg’s death was announced by her agent on 10 September 2020. The statement confirmed she had died peacefully at home in London with her family. The cause of death was cancer. Multiple reliable sources, including Wikipedia, IMDb, and BBC News, report that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier in 2020.
Timeline of Her Final Months
She was diagnosed with cancer in early 2020 but continued working for a time. Her last public appearances were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her illness. She died at home in London on 10 September 2020, just weeks after her diagnosis became known to those close to her.
Her Public Advocacy for Assisted Dying
Before her death, Diana Rigg supported assisted dying legislation. In 2023, her daughter Rachael Stirling revealed that her mother’s final wish was to see reform of the law in the UK, inspiring continued public debate on the issue.
What Are Diana Rigg’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
Game of Thrones: Olenna Tyrell
From 2013 to 2019, Diana Rigg played Lady Olenna Tyrell, the sharp-tongued “Queen of Thorns” in Game of Thrones. Her performance brought a new wave of fame, introducing her to a younger global audience. The role earned her multiple award nominations and widespread acclaim.
The Avengers: Emma Peel
Her breakthrough role came in the 1960s as Emma Peel in The Avengers (1965–1968). The character, a stylish and capable secret agent, made her a television star and a feminist icon of the era. The show remains one of the most celebrated British series of its time.
Victoria: The Duchess of Buccleuch
In the ITV period drama Victoria, Rigg played the Duchess of Buccleuch, a stern but loyal member of Queen Victoria’s household. Her performance added depth to the historical series.
Other Notable Film and Stage Roles
Her film career included On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), where she played Tracy Bond, the only woman James Bond ever married. She also appeared in The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and Evil Under the Sun (1982). On television, she starred in Rebecca (1996) and a 2013 episode of Doctor Who, “The Crimson Horror,” alongside her daughter Rachael Stirling. On stage, she won a Tony Award for her performance in Medea on Broadway.
Diana Rigg’s two most iconic roles – Emma Peel and Olenna Tyrell – are both characters defined by intelligence, authority, and a sharp sense of humour. This thematic consistency across decades helped cement her legacy as a performer of unusual range.
Who Is Diana Rigg’s Daughter?
Rachael Stirling: Career and Relationship with Her Mother
Diana Rigg’s only child is Rachael Stirling, born in 1977. Rachael is an accomplished British actress known for her roles in Tipping the Velvet, The Bletchley Circle, and Doctor Who. The two appeared together on screen in the Doctor Who episode “The Crimson Horror” (2013). Rachael has spoken publicly about her mother’s final days and her advocacy for assisted dying.
Diana Rigg’s Marriage and Family Life
Diana Rigg was married twice. Her first marriage was to Israeli painter Menachem Gueffen, from 1973 to 1976. Her second was to Archibald Stirling, a Scottish theatre producer, from 1982 to 1990. She had one daughter, Rachael, from her second marriage. Rigg kept much of her personal life private, but she spoke warmly of her family in interviews.
What Was Diana Rigg Like as a Young Actress?
Early Stage Work and Training at RADA
Diana Rigg trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. After graduating, she began her career in classical theatre, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her early stage work established her as a serious dramatic actress.
Breakthrough Role in The Avengers
In 1965, she was cast as Emma Peel in The Avengers. The role required both acting and physical agility, as her character was an expert in combat and espionage. It made her a household name in the UK and internationally.
Transition from TV to Film and Theatre
After The Avengers, Rigg moved into film and returned to the stage. She played Tracy Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), a landmark role for a woman in the Bond franchise. She continued to balance theatre, television, and film throughout her career, earning respect in all three mediums.
While it is widely reported that Diana Rigg died of lung cancer, the exact type of cancer was not publicly specified by her family. The specific timeline of her diagnosis and treatment also remains private. Only publicly confirmed information is available.
Key Moments in Diana Rigg’s Life and Career
- 1938 – Born in Doncaster, Yorkshire.
- 1950s–1960s – Trained at RADA and began stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- 1965–1967 – Played Emma Peel in The Avengers, her breakthrough television role.
- 1969 – Film debut in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as Tracy Bond.
- 1994 – Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- 2013–2019 – Played Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones.
- 2020 – Died at home in London after a short battle with cancer.
- 2023 – Her daughter revealed her final wishes for assisted dying law reform.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Her Death?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Diana Rigg died on 10 September 2020 at age 82. | The exact type of cancer has not been publicly specified. |
| Her death was from cancer, confirmed by her agent and family. | Some rumors about her illness timeline remain unconfirmed by official sources. |
Why Does Diana Rigg’s Legacy Endure?
Diana Rigg’s legacy bridges the golden age of British television and modern prestige drama. She was known for playing strong, intelligent women, often with a sharp wit, both on screen and off. Her role in Game of Thrones introduced her to a new generation, cementing her status as a cultural icon. The posthumous assisted dying debate has highlighted her personal values and activism, keeping her voice present in public conversation even after her death.
A biography titled One Tough Dame has further explored her life and career, and streaming platforms continue to draw new audiences to her work in The Avengers and Game of Thrones. Her advocacy has also contributed to continued discussion of assisted dying laws in the UK.
What Did Others Say About Diana Rigg?
“I think the most important thing in life is to be yourself.”
— Diana Rigg, from a 2019 interview
“She was a force of nature, and she died as she lived – on her own terms.”
— Rachael Stirling (daughter), speaking to The Guardian in 2023
“She died peacefully at home with her family.”
— Official statement from her agent, 10 September 2020
For a full overview of her life and career, you can read the Diana Rigg entry on Wikipedia. A detailed obituary was published by The Guardian. The BBC also covered Rachael Stirling’s remarks on assisted dying, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) published a tribute to Diana Rigg.
A Lasting Icon of Stage and Screen
From Emma Peel to the Queen of Thorns, Diana Rigg proved that intelligence and sharp wit never go out of style. Her career stretched from the black-and-white era of television to the streaming age, a rare achievement that few actors can claim. She remains a benchmark for stage and screen performance in Britain, and her influence continues through her work and her daughter, actress Rachael Stirling. For more context on her most famous role, see Game of Thrones Cast: Olenna Tyrell. To explore the series that made her a star, see The Avengers: A Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diana Rigg
Did Diana Rigg win any awards?
Yes, she won a BAFTA TV Award, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and an Olivier Award, among others.
Was Diana Rigg married?
She was married twice: to Menachem Gueffen (1973–1976) and Archibald Stirling (1982–1990).
What was Diana Rigg’s net worth?
Estimated net worth at her death was around $5–10 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Did Diana Rigg have any siblings?
She had a brother, but he died in infancy; she was an only child.
How old was Diana Rigg when she died?
She was 82 years old at the time of her death on 10 September 2020.
Did Diana Rigg have children?
Yes, she had one daughter, Rachael Stirling, who is also an actress.
What role did Diana Rigg play in Game of Thrones?
She played Lady Olenna Tyrell, the “Queen of Thorns,” a cunning and sharp-witted noblewoman.
Who played Emma Peel in The Avengers?
Diana Rigg played the iconic role of Emma Peel in the 1960s British television series The Avengers.
What was Diana Rigg’s role in Victoria?
She played the Duchess of Buccleuch, a senior member of Queen Victoria’s household, in the ITV series.
Did Diana Rigg die of cancer?
Yes, her death was caused by cancer, widely reported as lung cancer. The exact type was not publicly specified.
Oliver Harrison is Senior Reporter at TheUKDaily.uk, covering breaking national news and general UK stories.