Former James Bond George Lazenby has spoken of his sadness following the death of his On Her Majesty’s Secret Service co-star Dame Diana Rigg, who died at the age of 82.
The veteran performer was best known for roles in The Avengers, Game Of Thrones and within the James Bond franchise, where she played Countess Teresa ‘Tracy’ Bond, the wife of 007.
The iconic role remains historic as she plays the only woman to have married James Bond.
Following the news Dame Diana died peacefully at home after being diagnosed with cancer in March this year, Lazenby, 81, shared his sadness.
He said on Instagram: ‘I’m so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty’s Secret Service together in 1968-9.’
Recalling working with her, he went on: ‘I remember the press conference at the Dorchester in London, knowing she was going to play my wife.
‘We had fun together on the set of the movie in Switzerland and Portugal.
‘Her depth of experience really helped me.
‘We were good friends on set.
‘Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the press looking for a news story.’
On Bond’s wife dying in the film, Lazenby added: ‘I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago.
‘As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss.
‘Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana’s death, I weep again.
‘My deepest condolences for her family.’
Lazenby’s tribute was echoed by Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who remembered Dame Diana for playing the only woman to have married 007 on screen.
They said: ‘We are very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Diana Rigg, the legendary stage and screen actress who was much beloved by Bond fans for her memorable performance as Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the only woman to have married James Bond.
‘Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.’
(If we’re going to split hairs, 1967’s You Only Live Twice did see Sir Sean Connery’s Bond marry – but that was only as part of an undercover ploy.)
Tributes poured in for Dame Diana following her death, with playwrights Sir David Hare and Sir Tom Stoppard recalling her numerous stage appearances.
Sir David said: ‘Diana Rigg had a dazzling change of direction in middle age as a great classical actor.
‘When Emma Peel played Euripides’ Medea, Albee’s Martha and Brecht’s Mother Courage she swept all before her’.
Sir Tom added: ‘For half her life Diana was the most beautiful woman in the room, but she was what used to be called a trooper.
‘She went to work with her sleeves rolled up and a smile for everyone. Her talent was luminous.’
Her Game Of Thrones cast mates also shared their sadness on social media, with Dame Diana’s role as sassy and quick-witted Olenna Tyrell a favourite for many fans of the fantasy epic.
The official Twitter account of the HBO show shared a tribute, writing: ‘Be a dragon. The realm will always remember Diana Rigg.’
John Bradley, who starred as Samwell Tarly in Game Of Thrones alongside Dame Diana, said the actress was ‘just wonderful’.
He said: ‘Diana Rigg was just wonderful. But you all knew that already. Everybody did. Very sad news.’
Her co-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, added: ‘Dame Diana Rigg. She always raised the bar with her incredible talent, intelligence and wit.
‘An absolute joy and honour to work with. May her soul Rest In Peace.’
MORE: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Game Of Thrones stars pay tribute as Dame Diana Rigg dies aged 82
MORE: Game Of Thrones fans remember the same Cersei line as they mourn the death of Dame Diana Rigg
