Who Is Diana Rigg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 20, 1938, Diana Rigg was an iconic English actress renowned for her versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. With a career spanning over six decades, Rigg became a household name, especially recognized for her role as Emma Peel in the classic series The Avengers and for her powerful performance as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. She passed away on September 10, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1938 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 10 September, 2020 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
Diana Rigg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Diana Rigg was known for her elegant presence. While specific measurements varied throughout her life, she was approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and had a weight that was typically around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her distinctive features and commanding stage presence set her apart from her peers.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Diana Rigg had a vibrant personal life filled with significant relationships. She was married twice: first to actor Philip Ellis from 1959 until their divorce in 1960 and later to the theatrical producer Michael Caine in 1973, which subsequently ended in divorce in 1980. Rigg had one daughter, Rachael Stirling, who is also an accomplished actress. As of her passing in 2020, she had no publicly confirmed romantic relationships.
Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg (20 July 1938 – 10 September 2020) was an English actress of stage and screen.
Her roles include Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers (1965–1968); Countess Teresa di Vicenzo, wife of James Bond, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969); Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones (2013–2017); and the title role in Medea in the West End in 1993 followed by Broadway a year later.
Rigg made her professional stage debut in 1957 in The Caucasian Chalk Circle and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959. She made her Broadway debut in Abelard & Heloise in 1971. Her role as Emma Peel made her a sex symbol.
For her role in Medea, both in London and New York, she won the 1994 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play and became a four-time Laurence Olivier Award nominee. She was appointed CBE in 1988 and a Dame in 1994 for services to drama.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Diana Rigg reportedly had a net worth estimated at around $10 million. Her earnings were derived from an illustrious career in theatre, film, and television, alongside prestigious awards and nominations, including an Emmy and a Tony. Rigg's legacy continues to contribute to her family's financial well-being through her extensive body of work.
Career, Business and Investments
Diana Rigg's career was marked by significant roles in both classical and contemporary genres. She gained fame as the sharp-witted Emma Peel in The Avengers, where her charisma and talent captivated audiences. Later, she appeared in major films such as On Her Majesty's Secret Service and was lauded for her stage performances in Medea and The Misanthrope. Apart from her acting career, she was involved in various investments related to theatre and arts.
Rigg's career in film, television and the theatre was wide-ranging, including roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company between 1959 and 1967, including Gwendolen in Jean Anouilh's Becket, Cordelia in King Lear and Adriana in The Comedy of Errors.. Her professional debut was as Natasha Abashwilli in the RADA production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle at the York Festival in 1957.
Social Network
Even after her passing, Diana Rigg's influence remains strong across social media platforms. Fans and fellow artists frequently share memories and tributes on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, celebrating her unparalleled contributions to the performing arts. Her legacy is honored through numerous fan pages and online discussions, showcasing her impact on the entertainment industry.
She was later sent back to England to attend a boarding school, Fulneck Girls School, in a Moravian settlement near Pudsey. Rigg hated her boarding school, where she felt like a fish out of water, but believed that Yorkshire played a greater part in shaping her character than India did.
She trained as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from 1955 to 1957, where her classmates included Glenda Jackson and Siân Phillips.
Education
Diana Rigg studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she honed her craft and prepared for her illustrious career in acting. RADA is known for producing some of the finest talents in theatre and film, and Rigg's accomplishments are a testament to her training and dedication.
Rigg was a patron of International Care & Relief and was for many years the public face of the charity's child-sponsorship scheme. She was also chancellor of the University of Stirling, a ceremonial rather than executive role, and was succeeded by James Naughtie when her 10-year term of office ended on 31 July 2008.
