Veteran actor Diana Rigg, known for playing Lady Olenna Tyrell on Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 82. We shall never see her like again.
Diana Rigg, who played Olenna Tyrell for five seasons on Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 82.
Lady Olenna, aka the Queen of Thorns, quickly became a fan favorite when she was introduced in season 3, thanks to Rigg’s grace, poise and cutting delivery.
Of course, Rigg was known for more than just her role on Thrones. She was a veteran of over 70 film and television roles dating back to 1959, not to mention a rich career on stage, where she gained acclaim for parts like Cordelia in King Lear and the title role in Medea.
She shot to fame as secret agent Emma Peel on The Avengers in the ’60s, where her quick-witted, self-possessed, cat-suited character became an icon of the early feminist movement.
She also played Tracy in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the only woman to actually marry James Bond, there played by George Lazenby.
But for Game of Thrones fans, Rigg will always be the indomitable Queen of Thorns. Regarding the role of Lady Olenna, Dame Diana told the BBC last year, “I love playing bad . They are so much more interesting than good. There are some actors who don’t like to play bad; they like to be liked. I love to be disliked. Olenna had the best lines.”
Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell) now, and Diana Rigg (Olenna Tyrell) years ago. This show has good casting. pic.twitter.com/YvvtgXz7Uw
— Winter is Coming (@WiCnet) May 20, 2016
Rigg’s daughter Rachael Stirling made a statement about her mother: “My Beloved Ma died peacefully in her sleep early this morning, at home, surrounded by family. She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words.”
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As we shall as well. We will never see her like again.
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