'The Avengers' and 'James Bond’ star Diana Rigg dies at the age of 82

British actress Diana Rigg, who received much fame from iconic 1960s spy series ‘The Avengers’, died at the age of 82. Rigg's agent, Simon Beresford, said she breathed her last at home with her family on September 10, 2020. Daughter Rachael Stirling said she died of cancer that was diagnosed in the month of March. “Rigg 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,” Stirling said.

Rigg is survived by her daughter, son-in-law Guy Garvey - lead singer of the band Elbow and a grandson.

Rigg starred in ‘The Avengers’ as secret agent Emma Peel alongside Patrick Macnee's bowler-hatted John Steed. The pair was an impeccably dressed duo, who fought villains and traded quips in a show whose mix of adventure and humour was enduringly influential.

Rigg also starred in 1969 James Bond thriller ‘On Her Majesty's Secret Service’ as Tracy di Vicenzo, the only woman ever to marry, albeit briefly, Agent 007.

Rigg's character in the film was the only woman to marry James Bond.

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Rigg was “much beloved by Bond fans for her memorable performance.”

George Lazenby, who made his only appearance as Bond in the film, said on Instagram that he was “so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty's Secret Service together in 1968-9.”

Rigg played the character of Olenna Tyrell in one of the most famous series of all the time. She also received an Emmy Award nomination for the role.

Other television roles included the Duchess of Buccleuch in period drama 'Victoria' and Rigg also starred alongside her daughter in the gentle British sitcom 'Detectorists.'

Rigg spent several years in the 1960s as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and combined screen work with a major stage career, in plays including William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' Bertolt Brecht's 'Mother Courage' and Tom Stoppard's 'Jumpers' at the National Theatre in London.