The year 2020 has been the Red Wedding of years. As if the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough, tragedy has struck yet once again. This time, the wretched year has taken away another gem of the entertainment industry. Diana Rigg, who played the cunning Lady Olenna Tyrell on the series Game of Thrones, has passed away at the age of 82.
Diana was a decorated and esteemed performer. She was a venerable figure in Britain’s entertainment industry and was the recipient of the famed Tony and Emmy awards. Rigg was also famous for her role as intelligence agent Emma Peel on ‘The Avengers’ in the 1960s.
Dame Diana Rigg . She always raised the bar with her incredible talent, intelligence and wit. An absolute joy and honor to work with. May her soul Rest In Peace https://t.co/BC4annah1H
— Nikolaj CosterWaldau (@nikolajcw) September 10, 2020
Diana Rigg played the role of Lady Olenna Tyrell, also known as The Queen of Thorns on HBO’s The Game of Thrones. She began in the third season in 2013. She was nominated for the esteemed Emmy awards for the category ‘Best Guest Actor’ for her work on the show, consecutively from 2013 to 2015.
“Diana was a beautiful kind and generous human being that enhanced the lives of all that knew her as well as a great actress. She leaves a great void in my heart,” said Lionel Larner, who was Rigg’s long time friend and talent agent.
Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. She spent her early childhood in India. Diana did her training as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from 1955-57 and made her professional stage debut in Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle in 1957. She died from cancer which was diagnosed back in March.
Her loss will be deeply felt and she will be missed all over the world. Our condolences are with her family and friends.
