Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin has shared a tribute to the ‘titan’ Dame Diana Rigg after she died aged 82 – six months after she was diagnosed with cancer.
The actress starred in the fantasy saga as Olenna Tyrell, where she appeared in season three to seven before she was poisoned by Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau).
And while it has been just short of a week since the tragic news broke, George has taken to social media where he paid tribute to the star.
‘I am late to post about this, but I was very saddened by the news of a couple recent deaths,’ he penned alongside a picture of Dame Diana dressed in full Olenna gear.
‘The world of television and film lost a titan with the passing of Dame Diana Rigg. Such an amazing talent.’
He continued: ‘It was such an honour to have her on GAME OF THRONES as the Queen of Thorns…’
Right on cue, fans were quick to comment where they too remembered the actress.
‘Loved that she brought Olenna Tyrell to life. I don’t think anyone else could have done it her way,’ one wrote while another said: ‘No doubt one of the best performances on the show, no one could’ve done it better.’
Someone else added: ‘She was extraordinary. Like the Queen of Thorns, she owned every scene she was in.’
On Thursday afternoon, Dame Diana’s agent Simon Beresford confirmed the news in a statement, which read: ‘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.’
Tributes have since poured in from stars including the Game of Thrones cast seeing Dame Diana’s colleague John Bradley reminisce: ‘Diana Rigg was just wonderful. But you all knew that already. Everybody did. Very sad news. #dianarigg’.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: A Place In The Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin halts house viewing: ‘Am I wasting my time?’
