The top 15 best performances on Game of Thrones

Image: Game of Thrones/HBO

12. Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell

If I hadn’t made it clear enough already, my two main criteria for this list were: 1) For an actor to show us how the character changes over time, and; 2) Bring something special to the character that elevates the writing. And Diana Rigg brings something very special indeed.

At a time in the story when everything is going right for the “bad guys,” Olenna Tyrell shows up and throws a wrench into things. She’s a powerful woman who plays the game of thrones better than arguably anyone else at court. Not only does Diana Rigg bring her to life with wit, charm and the grace of a true Queen, but she adds a maternal spirit and kind heart that somehow make her feel even more dangerous, because as calculating as she is she still has things to lose. She manages to say exactly what’s on her mind while also obscuring a great deal. She effortlessly steals every scene she’s in.

It’s hard to choose a favorite Olenna moment. I love rewatching the episode where Joffrey dies and focusing on Olenna faking concern for him even though she’s the one who poisoned him. And the way she reveals to Margaery that she was responsible is one of the show’s finest moments of intrigue.

Another banner moment comes in season 7. When Dany lands at Dragonstone and calls her war council, she and Olenna have a chance to talk alone. Dianna Rigg brings Olenna’s vulnerability to bear, and we catch a glimpse of a grieving grandmother who knows she is nearing the end of her life. House Tyrell is essentially extinct, and Dragon Queen is her last hope at revenge. Rigg uses all of her skill and charm to make a role that’s already great on the page iconic.