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.

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