RIP Diana Rigg…
Sad news today: the iconic English actress Diana Rigg has died at the age of 82, the BBC is reporting.
“She died peacefully early this morning. She was at home with her family who have asked for privacy at this difficult time,” her agent said.
Rigg was known for her roles in such classics as the TV show “The Avengers”, and she was the greatest, most empowered “Bond Girl” of all – when she starred in the James Bond 007 classic “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
She was most recently known for her role in “Game Of Thrones.”
Let’s take a look at some of her carer highlights, beginning with this fact – she is the ONLY Mrs. James Bond in cinema history:
Diana Rigg – 007’s Most Complicated “Bond Girl!”
The terrific Actress Diana Rigg was, to me, the greatest “Bond Girl” of all – in part because of the gravitas she brought to the role, and in part because of the complexities of the film she starred in…here is the story.
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was the sixth James Bond movie, but there was a big difference with this film: it came right after Sean Connery’s decision to retire from the role. It was time for a new 007!
Unknown actor and model George Lazenby was chosen to play the most famous spy in the world, James Bond. That led to Diana Rigg’s casting as well…more on that, but first, here is the trailer:
In the film, James Bond meets and falls in love with Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, played by Rigg. There is always a beautiful co-star known as a “Bond Girl” in each film, but this role was much different.
You see, this is the ONLY film where James Bond actually marries his “Bond Girl” – adding a powerful twist to the series, and it works because of how smart and empowered Rigg is in the role…a perfect match for 007…
Casting A Star Alongside 007!
Because there was a brand new 007 in the role – and a complete unknown, the Producers reached out to legendary Brigitte Bardot to star in the movie, but she was unavailable. So, they went with the popular Diana Rigg, who was in the smash TV series “The Avengers.”
Her “Avengers” Breakout!
In 1965, this relatively unknown stage Actress screen-tested for the part of John Steed’s female companion in the TV series “The Avengers” after the departure of Honor Blackman to play Pussy Galore in the 007 film “Goldfinger.”
That’s right, Rigg got the job from another “Bond Girl” and ended up becoming get most iconic one of all!
Rigg said one of the reasons for accepting the 007 film role was that she always wanted to be in an epic movie – and the Bond films were certainly that!
Also, the script for “OHMSS” was smart, sharp, funny and very emotional – with one of the most devastating endings of any Bond film – one reason “OHMSS” is considered by many to be the greatest Bond film of all!
Trouble In 007 Paradise!
While Diana Rigg is great in the film, apparently it wasn’t a smooth movie set…according to legend, the arrogant new Bond was rubbing Rigg the wrong way!
Allegedly, there were personality conflicts between the two. However, according to director Peter Hunt, these rumors are untrue and there were no such difficulties — or else they were minor!
The “Garlic” Myth!
Rumors of a rift on-set may have started with Rigg joking to Lazenby before filming a love scene. She was overheard yelling this at 007:
“Hey George, I’m having garlic for lunch. I hope you are!”
HA! Whatever the truth, Rigg is captivating in the role – showing brains, beauty, and a complexity not usually seen in the 007 films…when we meet her, she is contemplating suicide! Rigg brings gravitas to the movie, and hits very deep emotional notes that you don’t see in a Bond film – for that reason, she is my favorite “Bond Girl”, but she really is so much more – as important to the film’s plot as 007 himself…
Diana Rigg has had a long and distinguished career, and played serious roles AND comedy – even comedic horror with Vincent Price!
In an interview years later, Rigg said that working with the horror legend in “Theater Of Blood” was her most enjoyable movie experience, and the two of them do indeed have a blast in the film!
Yes, that’s Diana with the mustache and wig – and that’s Vincent Price sporting an Afro! Click here to see the trailer and more trivia for the film they did together!
RIP to Diana Rigg, an Icon who will be missed by fans of all ages…
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, British Cinema, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Horror films, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities, TV Show
Exceptional tribute, John. I loved her in The Advengers. This is a rare bond movie I hadn’t seen. I ought to watch it now. Loved her in Game of Thrones.
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“OHMSS” is unique for several reasons: Lazenby’s inability to “be Bond” – you’ll understand when you see it, and Rigg’s fearless, empowered performance…and of course the ENDING! Wow…the most emotionally draining one of any 007 film. Oh, and Telly Zavala’s is a GREAT Blofeld!
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I don’t know how this escaped me. Definitely need to see it.
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I have all the Bond films and just put the ending this one in…unlike any other Bond film ever.
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So sad! She was a great actress.
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She was a beautiful girl, John. I was a big fan of James Bond and loved Sean Connery and Roger Moore. Roger Moore invited my mom on a date but she was married and never went.
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This one hurts. Grew up watching THE AVENGERS and crushing on Emma Peel in the ’60s. God, she was lovely and talented. So enjoyed catching her on the big screen after she made that transition, too. She always made whatever she was in better. A few weeks ago re-watched THE HOSPITAL, with George C. Scott, and she was again simply wonderful in that small but vital supporting role. Her work always rose to the occasion, no matter the genre — see THEATRE OF BLOOD with Vincent Price as proof. Oh, and she’s the reason ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE is as good and wonderfully unexpected as it is. Without her in it, the film takes a big dip, IMO.
Fine tribute for Diana, John. Thank you.
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Wonderful tribute John. My dad got me hooked on The Avengers and we even dressed up as Mrs. Peel and Steed for Halloween one year.
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I always really liked her, she seemed like her very own person, not like everyone else in that orbit
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As a young girl, watching Diana Rigg on The Avengers was an eye-opener. A woman who said her piece and stood strong against males. I love her.
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She was an empowered woman at a time when there weren’t many being given prominent roles…even as a “Bond girl”, she didn’t just stand there as the gorgeous girl ready to be “bedded by bond” – she was empowered and stood up to him – and was the ONLY Mrs. Bond in the series! Thanks for commenting!
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Such sad news, another shining star lost. 2020 really is a suckfest of a year!
It was good timing that Brigitte Bardot was unavailable, a fact I hadn’t known before today. This is a wonderful tribute, John.x
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Yes, 2020 is NOT shaping up as a year to ever live though again, let’s hope! Thanks for commenting!
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Sad news, may she rest in peace
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She made everything she was in better.
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Yes she did…great point!
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You chose a lovely photo of her for the opening of your article.
Kudos to you 🙂
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Thank you for reading…she had a great, extensive career but I wanted to focus on the role that changed the trajectory of 007 forever…
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She was amazing. I loved her in the Avengers and she went on to play some awesome parts. I thought she was very good in Mother Love. RIP Diana Rigg.
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Thanks for the comment…sad indeed…when I read the biography of Vincent Price, he also said that working with her was one of the greatest joys…they had a blast together on the film…
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