Tremendous sad news has broken that Dame Diana Rigg has passed away at the age of 82 on 10 September 2020 from cancer.  She was surrounded by family and went peacefully. The news was announced by her agent Simon Beresford and followed by a statement from her daughter Rachael Stirling.  The official Game of Thrones Twitter has shared a tribute to an industry legend.

You will recognise Diana as Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones starring as Margaery Tyrell’s formidable Grandmother.  In an interview with Collider (2013), Natalie described what it was like to work with Diana, “She’s a vet, so for very young actresses like Sophie, and reasonably young actresses such as myself, working with someone as experienced, and who is a Tony Award-winning actress, is just a joy.  We watch and learn a bit.  We shut up and watch.”

Although this was only one fabulous role amongst many, Dame Diana Rigg has had a phenomenal career expanding fifty years across stage, television and film including roles in The Sentimental Agent (1963), The Avengers (1965-68), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1965), Macbeth (1972) and Madear (1992).  Please head over to Entertainment Weekly who have put up a slideshow of Dame Diana’s most memorable roles.

On behalf of Captivating Natalie Dormer I express my deepest condolences to Diana’s family and friends at this difficult time.  Please respect the family and give them privacy during their time of grief.

Sources:
– Herald Sun (2020)
– Entertainment Weekly (2020)
– Collider (2013)