Diana Rigg dies

From Mrs Bond to Mrs Peel - a legend in her lifetime

by Jennie Kermode

Diana Rigg as Mrs Peel in The Avengers
Diana Rigg as Mrs Peel in The Avengers

Diana Rigg has died at the age of 82, it has been announced. The actress, who made an indelible impact on British television with her starring role as Mrs Peel in The Avengers and recently won a new generation of fans playing Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game Of Thrones, enjoyed a career that spanned six decades. Her film work included playing the woman who won James Bond's heart in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, taking on Miss Piggy in The Great Muppet Caper, and working with Peter Ustnov and Maggie Smith in Evil Under The Sun.

On the small screen, Rigg won an Emmy for her work as Mrs Danvers in Rebecca, starred in a memorable production of Bleak House, and also made an appearance in Doctor Who. She was highly praised for her stage career, and turned in several memorable performances in Shakespeare's works on bot stage and screen.

Rigg had recently been working on a mini-series based on cinema classic Black Narcissus, which is due for release next year. According to her agent she passed away peacefully, at home with her family. She is survived by her daughter - the actress Rachael Stirling - and by a grandson, Jack.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film