'Avengers' and 'Game of Thrones' star Diana Rigg dies of cancer at 82

Diana Rigg, a commanding British actress whose career stretched from iconic 1960s spy series “ Avengers” to fantasy juggernaut “Game of Thrones,” has died. She was 82. Rigg’s nt, Simon Beresford, said she died Thursday morning at home with her family. Daughter Rachael Stirling said she died of cancer that was diagsed in 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 starred in “ Avengers” as secret nt Emma Peel alongside Patrick McNee’s bowler-hatted John Steed. pair was an impeccably dressed duo who fought villains and traded quips in a show whose mix of adventure and humor was enduringly influential. Rigg also starred in 1969 James Bond thriller “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” as Tracy di Vicenzo, only woman ever to marry, albeit briefly, nt 007. Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Rigg was “much beloved by Bond fans for her memorable performance.”

In later life, she played Olenna Tyrell — formidable “Queen of Thorns” — in “Game of Thrones,” receiving an Emmy Award mination for role. Or television roles included Duchess of Buccleuch in period drama “Victoria,” and Rigg starred alongside her daughter in gentle British sitcom “Detectorists.”

Rigg spent several years in 1960s as a member of Royal Shakespeare Company, and combined screen work with a major st career, in plays including William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Bertolt Brecht’s “Mor Cour” and Tom Stoppard’s “Jumpers” at National atre in London. She had several acclaimed roles in 1990s at London’s Almeida atre, including Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and title role in Greek trdy “Medea.”

Rigg won a Tony Award for “Medea” on Broadway, and was minated on three or occasions — most recently in 2018 for playing Mrs. Higgins in “My Fair Lady.”She never retired. One of Rigg’s final television roles was in rural veterinary drama “All Creatures Great and Small,” which is currently running on British television.

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