Let me tell you a story about Diana Rigg, a woman who changed the game for female actors in the 1960s. Picture this: a year before Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to American audiences on The Green Hornet, Diana Rigg, playing Emma Peel on The Avengers, was already kicking bad guys in her iconic black catsuit. She wasn’t just a pretty face; she was a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the screen.
From Stage to Screen: Diana’s Unexpected Journey
Diana never planned on becoming a TV star. Believe it or not, she hadn’t even seen The Avengers before her audition. For her, it was simply an opportunity to make some cash. But little did she know that her role as Emma Peel would catapult her into international stardom. As Herbie J. Pilato, author of the new biography Diana Rigg: One Tough Dame, exclusively told Closer, “The Avengers became a massive hit, and Diana became a sex symbol.” But here’s the thing—Diana wasn’t exactly comfortable with that label. In fact, her mom used to handle her fan mail because Diana just couldn’t bring herself to read it.
Standing Up for Equality: A Brave Move in the 1960s
Diana may have been blind to her own sex appeal, but she was acutely aware of her worth. When it came time for her second season on The Avengers, she didn’t hesitate to ask for a raise. “She loved her co-star Patrick Macnee,” Pilato explains, “but she wanted to know why he was making more money than her. She also wanted to know why the cameraman was earning more than her.” In a time when few women dared to demand equal pay, Diana stood her ground. Her bold stance ultimately led to her departure after just 51 episodes.
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Roots of Passion: Discovering Acting Early On
Diana’s love for acting began at a young age. Born in England but raised in India until she was eight, she discovered her passion for the craft thanks to an inspiring teacher who encouraged her to read poetry aloud. At 17, she enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she honed her skills. Two years later, she made her stage debut. “The theater to me is home,” she once said. “In some curious way, I don’t belong anywhere else.”
Beyond the Small Screen: Diana’s Versatility
Diana wasn’t content to stay in one genre. She dabbled in everything from drama to comedy, proving her versatility. Her portrayal of a Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was just the beginning. She also appeared in the cult classic Theatre of Blood alongside Vincent Price, the delightful musical A Little Night Music, and even The Great Muppet Caper. Pilato notes, “She could go from drama to comedy effortlessly. At one point, she was considered the Carol Burnett of the U.K.”
A Life Well Lived: Family, Fans, and Legacy
On a personal level, Diana experienced both triumphs and heartbreaks. She married and divorced twice but found lasting joy in her relationship with her daughter, Rachael Stirling, and her fans. Pilato shares, “She always encouraged young actors to focus on the stage, not stardom.” Even in her later years, Diana continued to captivate audiences, notably as the imperious Olenna Tyrell on Game of Thrones. “The young, I don’t expect them to know about my past,” she once said, “but if, through Game of Thrones, they discover me, that’s good.”
In the end, Diana came to terms with her legacy as Emma Peel. As Pilato puts it, “She realized that some people were always going to think of her as Emma Peel, and she became OK with that.” Her story is a testament to resilience, talent, and grace under pressure.
