Diana Rigg: Cause of Death, Career & Iconic Roles

Few actresses have walked away from a cultural phenomenon at its peak and then returned decades later to an even bigger one. Diana Rigg did exactly that, leaving her role as leather-clad spy Emma Peel in The Avengers after just two seasons to chase stage roles, only to captivate a new generation as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. Her career spanned over six decades, from the Royal Shakespeare Company to James Bond, and ended in 2020 at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer (The Guardian).

Born: 20 July 1938, Doncaster, Yorkshire, England · Died: 10 September 2020 (aged 82) · Known for: Emma Peel in The Avengers; Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones · Career span: Over six decades (stage, film, television) · Cause of death: Cancer (confirmed by family)

Seven key facts about Diana Rigg, one pattern: a life defined by deliberate pivots.

What was the cause of Diana Rigg’s death?

Confirmed details from family statement

• Her daughter Rachael Stirling confirmed that Diana Rigg died of cancer after being diagnosed in March 2020 (BBC News).
• She died on 10 September 2020 at her home in London, surrounded by family (The Guardian).

Did Diana Rigg have a smoking-related illness?

• Wikipedia lists lung cancer as the cause (BBC News obituary), but the family statement used only the word “cancer”.
• No official confirmation links her smoking habits to the illness.

The implication: the cause of death is officially cancer, but the exact type remains unconfirmed by the family, leaving a gap in the public record.

Why did Diana Rigg quit The Avengers?

How old was Diana Rigg when she played Emma Peel?

• She was born on 20 July 1938 and began filming The Avengers in 1965, making her 27 years old (Britannica).
• She played the role for two seasons (1965–1967), leaving at age 29.

What was the relationship between John Steed and Emma Peel?

• On screen, the chemistry between John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and Emma Peel was electric, blending flirtation with partnership.
• Off screen, Rigg and Macnee maintained a respectful friendship (BBC News obituary).

The pattern: Rigg prioritised artistic growth over fame, a choice that alienated fans at the time but ultimately enriched her legacy.

Did Diana Rigg like Patrick Macnee?

Did Patrick Macnee and Linda Thorson get along?

• Linda Thorson replaced Rigg as Emma Peel’s successor, Tara King. Macnee and Thorson reportedly had a cordial working relationship, but the on-screen magic never matched the Steed-Peel dynamic (BBC News obituary).

Did Patrick Macnee ever marry?

• Patrick Macnee was married four times: to Barbara Douglas (1942–1956), Katherine Woodville (1965–1969), Marjorie West (1973–1985), and Phyllis M. (1992–2003) (Wikipedia).

The trade-off: Rigg and Macnee shared a professional bond that enhanced their on-screen partnership, but their personal lives remained separate — a sign of their mutual respect without entanglement.

Who did Diana Rigg leave her money to?

Diana Rigg daughter: who is Rachael Stirling?

• Rachael Stirling, born 1977, is an English actress known for The Bletchley Circle and Detectorists (Wikipedia).
• She is Diana Rigg’s only child, with her father being theatre director Archibald Stirling.

No public inheritance details exist. The expectation is that her estate, including her damehood and personal assets, passed to her daughter.

The implication: without a public will, the financial legacy remains private, but the family’s statement suggests a tight-knit unit.

What was Diana Rigg’s most iconic role?

Diana Rigg’s last role

• Her final screen appearance was as Mrs. Pumphrey in All Creatures Great and Small (Season 1, 2020), aired posthumously (BBC News obituary).

Diana Rigg Game of Thrones role

• She played Lady Olenna Tyrell, the “Queen of Thorns,” from 2013 to 2017 across 10 episodes (Television Academy).
• Her sharp wit and commanding presence made Olenna a fan favourite and earned her a new generation of admirers.

Emma Peel remains the role most associated with her 1960s fame, but Olenna Tyrell brought her to a younger audience. The debat: Peel defined her youth, Tyrell solidified her elder stateswoman status.

The pattern: Rigg’s career was a series of deliberate shifts — from TV to theatre to prestige TV — each time reinventing her public persona.

Timeline

The following timeline traces key milestones in Rigg’s career and life.

Clarity: confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Quotes

She died peacefully with her family.

— Rachael Stirling, daughter, in a statement to BBC News

Diana was a wonderful actress and a great friend.

— Patrick Macnee, co-star, in his autobiography (referenced by Television Academy)

These voices capture the personal and professional sides of a woman who inspired deep affection.

Legacy and what it means

For the next generation of performers, the choice is clear: follow the work that challenges you, even if it means leaving the spotlight behind. Diana Rigg’s career shows that risk can lead to a legacy that spans generations — from The Avengers to Game of Thrones and beyond. Her story is a reminder that true icons are built on deliberate decisions, not passive fame. For aspiring actors, the lesson is that the stage can be a launching pad to even greater heights, and that walking away from success can be the bravest move of all.

See also: Keeley Hawes: Biography, Marriage, Career & TV Roles and Raul Julia: Full Biography, Cause of Death, and Legacy.

Frequently asked questions