Diana Rigg dead: Game Of Thrones star dies after secret cancer battle aged 82
Diana Rigg, who is best known for her roles in Game Of Thrones, TV series The Avengers and James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, has died at the age of 82
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Diana Rigg has died at the age of 82, her family has confirmed.
She died after a secret battle with cancer, which was diagnosed back in March.
The iconic actress is known for her roles in Game Of Thrones, TV series The Avengers and James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Her agent shared the news in a statement released on Thursday, saying: “It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Dame Diana Rigg died peacefully early this morning.
“She was at home with her family who have asked for privacy at this difficult time. Dame Diana was an icon of theatre, film, and television.
“She was the recipient of Bafta, Emmy, Tony and Evening Standard Awards for her work on stage and screen.
“Dame Diana was a much loved and admired member of her profession, a force of nature who loved her work and her fellow actors. She will be greatly missed.”
Her daughter Rachael Stirling paid tribute to her in an emotional statement.
Rachel said: “My Beloved Ma died peacefully in her sleep early this morning, at home, surrounded by family.
“She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession.
“I will miss her beyond words.”
She was made a Dame in the 1994 Birthday Honours for her services to drama.
Diana’s most popular recent role was as Olenna Tyrell in Game Of Thrones, which she held from 2013 until 2017.
The character was killed off by Jaime Lannister in season seven.
Born in Doncaster in 1938, Diana started her career in theatre with roles in Royal Shakespeare Company productions in the early sixties.
From 1961 to 1969 she played secret agent Emma Peel in 51 episodes of The Avengers.
She became a Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service opposite George Lazenby.
The star played Tracy Bond, James Bond’s only wife, but the character died just moments after the wedding.
Her most recent film role is in Last Night in Soho, which will be released next year.
Diana was married to Menachem Gueffen, an Israeli painter, from 1973 until their divorce in 1976.
She married Archibald Stirling, a theatrical producer and former officer in the Scots Guards, in 1982.
They divorced in 1990 after his affair with the actress Joely Richardson.
Her only child, actress Rachel Stirling, was born in 1977.
She had one grandchild, a boy named Jack, through Rachel’s marriage to Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.
More to follow.
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