Diana Rigg was a British actress known for her role as Emma Peel in the 1960s TV series The Avengers. She was also a prominent stage actress and had a successful career in film and television. In this article, we will explore her life and career, focusing on her role in The Avengers and what she has done since. We will also take a look at her personal life, including her age and family.
Early Life and Career
Diana Rigg was born on July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her career in theater. Her breakthrough role came in 1965 when she was cast as Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers. The show was a huge success and made Rigg a household name.
The Avengers
Rigg’s portrayal of Emma Peel in The Avengers was groundbreaking for its time. She was a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to take on the bad guys. Her character was a feminist icon, and Rigg’s performance was praised for its wit and intelligence. She was also known for her fashion sense, wearing tight leather outfits that became a fashion trend.
Film and Television Career
After leaving The Avengers, Rigg continued to have a successful career in film and television. She appeared in several movies, including On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Hospital, and Evil Under the Sun. She also appeared in TV shows like Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and Victoria. Rigg was nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Emmy, Tony, and BAFTA awards.
Personal Life
Diana Rigg was married twice. Her first marriage was to Menachem Gueffen, an Israeli painter, in 1973. They had a daughter together, named Rachael. The couple divorced in 1976. Rigg’s second marriage was to Archibald Stirling, a Scottish businessman, in 1982. They had a daughter named Louisa. Stirling passed away in 2020.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Rigg continued to act and was a respected figure in the industry. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994 for her services to drama. Rigg passed away on September 10, 2020, at the age of 82.
