Dame Diana Rigg | Full Q&A | Oxford Union

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Dame Diana Rigg is a celebrated actress, who has recently portrayed Lady Olenna in Game of Thrones, a role which earned her four Emmy nominations. Her illustrious career has spanned both stage and screen, with her West End and Broadway appearances including award-winning lead roles in Medea, Mother Courage, and My Fair Lady.
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[@renesagahon4477]

I hope the audience realizes what an honor it was for this grand lady to share her guidance experience and thoughts with them

[@leif1075]

Why do you say that?

[@rogerbennett9641]

I get the feeling it mostly went over their heads, it probably didn't fit their preconceived ideas that have been indoctrinated into their heads by the Cultural Marxists so endemic in all our institutions but especially in the 'education' system for the last 50yrs. How can someone appreciate or properly understand anything historical, modern or ancient, having been indoctrinated to hate themselves and every achievement the West has accomplished. I got the feeling all they knew her for was Game Of Thrones and they were expecting more of a performance relating to the shows theme and message, if it has one as I must confess I have never watched it.

[@quassica]

Talented, witty, smart, unforgetable! RIP Miss Rigg.

[@z2u]

Emma Peel - these kids have no idea how amazing she was she was, not only sexy but the classiest woman alive- thats when the UK was great- i was just kid but i will never forget

[@brainsareus]

MBGA?? .......oy

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

uk is still great compared to the mess that is the US...

[@lgfrades]

z2u she was my heroine. All the girls wanted to be like her.

[@peterb2325]

A great intellectual era , would like to time travel and see her perform Shakespeare.

[@esse6449]

I saw young Diana Rigg in King Lear on the London stage. She was fantastic. ‼

[@Mic-Mak]

All hail the Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna Tyrell!

[@whouster]

So sad that we've now lost Diana, but what a great life she had. An absolute professional who loved her craft and wanted to better herself with every part. Full of natural wit and charm, totally down-to-earth, and not a hint of vanity. Typical that she felt uncomfortable with being a sex symbol because she had so much else to offer. A real lesson to the narcissists of today who expect instant stardom without putting in the hard graft. Any long and successful career needs constant hard work and dedication, and Diana Rigg always emphasised that. A woman of humility and gratitude, and what a treat for this audience (and us) to hear these words of wisdom and experience. Anyone who wants a career in acting - watch, listen and learn!

[@roberttownsend9223]

This great lady was not only exceptionally beautiful in her younger days, but she was also blessed with a fine intellect and a well balanced personality. She embraced getting older and all the changes it brings and here in old age, she is still the same Emma Peel who gave all of us old fella's the jitters all those years ago.

[@horaciolopez3598]

Congratulations a .....Pete!!!🎼🎶🎵

[@caruthersm]

What an amazing woman, in her 80s and so full of life and invaluable advice for her fellow actors. Rest in Peace Dame Diana.

[@Neko.Yashi_74]

She died today. I loved her portrayal of Lady Olenna Tyrell. R.I.P.

[@brieneaton8578]

I just checked. Damm. Your right. I always loved her, I guess we all did. R.I.P.

[@dannygoodwin2221]

hi

[@drthornton]

Diana exudes passion for the craft of acting. Watching her now with a mix of admiration and sadness, knowing it would be the following year (2020), she would shuffle off this mortal coil, yet still a vital repository of fascinating stories about her marvelous work in the movies, theater and TV. As I write it is a couple days since her unexpected passing. Love this lady from the days back in the 1960s when I first saw her on The Avengers, on through this very moment, and surely beyond.

[@elisabethkreber5501]

Très bonne actrice et surtout d une beauté inégalable..une femme à ne pas oublier

[@WndD_74]

I agree whole-heartily with your assessment. She died 9/10/20 and it was like a long-life friend had passed-on. Long may she live in various ways!

[@rogerbennett9641]

She was indeed so full of spirit, intelligence, wry humour, wit and beauty right up to the end, full of life and joy that I strive for. A real Great British treasure, we are so lucky to have her preserved on film and digital media etc RIP.

[@packrcch]

she is aging normally and she is just fine with that...and so am i. i have always sensed that she is internally grounded. she is unquestionably elite but not unreachable. this is an admirable personal quality.

[@controllerismxg3516]

Diana Rigg - One of the most beautiful & talented women in UK.

[@attasvanpatatas5518]

A truly great fine British actress with a tremendous sense of style and grace....she spoke and used the English language so beautifully. A woman who totally supports equality for women! What a Dame!👏👏🌷🌷

[@patshaw51]

She was a STAGGERINGLY great actress! R.I.P. + Thank You for the legacy on film!

[@jantyszka1036]

Not just beautiful but so damned intelligent, too: keep learning, keep moving and never be afraid to learn from anyone. Absolutely! I have worked in my profession for over thirty years but if the cleaning woman said: "What about doing this?" I would at least listen. You can get ideas anywhere. I saw Diana Rigg on stage several times and I wish I could have known her - she was real life-enhancer.

[@alansharples9520]

totally agree

[@TralfazConstruction]

It was her wit that drew me in at first. Over the years I've grown to appreciate the repartee between John Steed and Emma Peel as it is so bright, sharp, fast-paced and highly intelligent. In The Avengers second season with Diana Rigg as Emma Peel, TV Guide ran an illustrated article going over the outfits worn by Diana Rigg in the series. That memory is from when I was ten years old in '66 and it's fairly clear. For my part, as I got older, anytime I fitted for a suit, I was going for that John Steed look which Patrick Macnee managed so seemingly effortlessly and with such panache.

[@alexhamilton4084]

I remember seeing Diana Rigg when she first joined the Avengers in 1965 and thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. I am a lifelong fan of hers and even named my daughter Diana in her honour.

[@arricammarques1955]

Very charming & gifted actress, bless her.

[@rogerbennett9641]

She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

[@stogie2000]

The poem at the end seems like a fitting epitaph to this wonderful actor who we have lost this week.

[@eyelidman09]

RIP Diana Rigg. You will never be forgotten.🥂🥀🌂🇬🇧🥂2020. “Always keep your bowler on in times of stress and watch out for diabolical masterminds”.

[@kathleenclark5877]

FunkyFlunky That scene always makes me cry ... well, close anyway. You can see there is a genuine catch in her throat. I wanted to be Emma Peel when I grew up. To me Diana Rigg is an icon of sixties female empowerment. She will certainly be missed.

[@eyelidman09]

Hi. Yes Patrick Macnee said he wanted to finish when Diana Rigg did. The chemistry between them was clearly evident. A great series, loved by many even today.🌞🙏🌞

[@kathleenclark5877]

FunkyFlunky Yes, it is palpable. I am currently binge watching all of the Diana Rigg episodes in order. Just finished “Too Many Christmas Trees”. It doesn’t get better than this. Well, there is always “The Prisoner”. And so many other quirky sixties British crime dramas. Just sayin’.

[@eyelidman09]

Hi. Yes I’ve been getting a bit sentimental about it all. I met Patrick Macnee at a book signing here in the UK, and managed to get a signed photo of Diana Rigg for a previous girlfriend who was crazy about The Avengers. Halcyon days. As for The Prisoner...don’t get me started. Great British Television, back in the day. Enjoy.🌞🙏🇬🇧🌞

[@nigel8499]

Diana Rigg in the avengers is sensational.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Diana Rigg in anything.

[@ralphsmithmckenzie4391]

I've always found Diana Rigg, intriguing. She was my favourite lady while growing up. She is older, but, she still has a captivating beauty about her.

[@peterb2325]

Ralph Smith McKenzie Captivating.

[@rjleslee]

Diana Rigg was quite popular in Malaysia and Singapore in the 60s and 70s. The Avengers series were a big hit. Her pin-up photos and news articles were often in local press and magazines. But we never had the opportunity to see any of her stage performances. Only films. Well, half a loaf is better than no bread.

[@craigstaehr3251]

Diana Rigg. Artist, definitive of her profession and what it takes to achieve and understand what success is, and how to manage success. She is a good example of a striver, she was unashamedly about discussing her life experiences, she stayed true to her goals. Interviews like this one are time capsules, she was such a good entertainer. RIP Diana Rigg.

[@harveyyoung3423]

I'm not an actor or writer just a member of the audience, but i like listening to actors talking about their art. This is the best discussion of acting i have heard. Great interviewer and great questions. Some kind of mystery at the centre of it all. What she said to a question on not putting in your personality into it but following the text, is developed further through the question at 40 mins. I don't really get it but it reminds me of something Ken Dodd said in answer to the question; "How do you make people laugh?" and he said something like this: that you don't try to make people laugh you open up a space so they feel able or safe (perhaps) to laugh. She says the text is kind of an unknown other. It put me in mind of Kierkegaard's discussion of Socratic method as the midwife to truth. if this is not too much of an imposition. yes great performances must be rare. Many years ago i used to watch loads and loads of plays at theaters all over. I enjoyed them but never got the real buzz people talked about until i saw Richard Harris on stage and then i got it. Loved Theatre of Blood when i was a kid watching Friday night horror movies on TV in the seventies. Didn't know it was a cult movie though. "Was it Bela Lugosi?" Take the glory mate. Like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Diana Rigg was not in the sixties she was the sixties. Very much missed Diana Rigg R.I.P. Thank you all at the Oxford Union for posting a great discussion.

[@deguilhemcorinne418]

Very interesting what she says about the voice (from 16:20), how to work on it. Among all the other things she says about being an actress. What a remarkable woman !

[@timothytahariharris9980]

She is one of the most intriguing, talented, witty, and intelligent actresses ever! Love, Love, Love her!!!!!!!

[@Kiu_8]

A magnificent lady with an amazing way of showcasing her capabilities on-screen, I'm so glad that she was invited to speak about her experiences with all of us who are interested in knowing about her!

[@Gamer123766]

Anyone here after hearing the news? :(

[@Retaile23]

Diana Rigg is so modest which makes her even more wonderful.

[@vicaravitakka8332]

"Grateful." ❤

[@petermortimer6303]

I like that the audience gave her generous rounds of applause at the beginning and the end without leaping to their feet. The standing ovation has been demeaned by overuse in certain other countries.

[@KingofReads]

I love this woman.

[@barcyorky]

Watching this 4 days after we lost her makes her power so much apparent, her loss so much more acute; her epitaph so much more painfully dear. RIP to a great Lady 😘❤️😢

[@Juwon5Jimvon]

There will never be another like Diana Rigg.

[@mariannamayer9663]

I love this woman...her spirit and her talent!

[@melissaking6019]

All Diana fans need to watch her in "Mother Love" a miniseries from 1989. Probably the best performance of her career - mind blowing!

[@kathleenclark5877]

Melissa King Absotively. I want to acquire a copy!

[@cybersoil100]

We will miss you, Diana. Thanks for all the great shows and plays that you were a part of. Of course, the Avengers was my favorite but I loved your Masterpiece Theater introductions.

[@Rodin99]

She really is uniquely herself....I loved her as Emma Peel and saw her on Broadway and in the West End...so consider myself lucky just to have been in the same theater. I Love listening to her. She could do hours of interviews and I'd love it.

[@brucesmith3740]

Her facial expressions in the Avengers by themselves are entertaining.

[@Historian212]

A shame the audience didn't get the Vincent Price story. They didn't really discuss The Avengers in the talk -- as though the show was just about how it helped her career. In its day, especially for young girls, it was everything, and she was a great role model. Her rendition of Emma Peel was a breath of air for us girls who watched her and saw that you could be smart, tough, and feminine at the same time. Way ahead of its time. Bless her.

[@phillawrence]

We are showing our age Historian212, this crowd seem more interested in Game of Thrones and probably aren’t aware of the amazing film Theatre of Blood.

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

thank goodness there are so many roles like that these days... getting more and more by the day... so good for young girls...

[@unowen-nh9ov]

True, but that happened when they cast Honor Blackman in a role written for a man, The Avengers is, as Dame Diana has observed, accidental feminism, but yes, Emma sealed the deal when the show went global & (eventually) colour. Producers meddled with the formula by hiring a crushing girl apprentice, rather than a strong equal partner, & Avengers were done. Mrs. Gale didn't make it to America until the'90's. And Rigg has talked about the series recently, about how the had to go to bat for pay equity, so she did her bit on & off camera.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Too bad! They miss seeing Mrs. Peel take down villainous Julian Glover in the excellent The Living Dead episode of The Avengers, or watching her Mrs. Danvers menace Charles Dance in Rebecca, decades before they worked together again in GoT.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Which Vincent Price story?

[@jean-louisrodrigue6505]

Using the human personal experience to embody a character is the only way to do it- what a beautiful lesson to share with us Dame Diana. We will miss you forever!

[@tinopica1005]

Dame Diana you will be alive forever.

[@guydupays8558]

Dear Diana Rigg I had the opportunity to see you on stage! It was a great moment for the little French student I was then. Thank you

[@larryloveless2967]

This is great seeing Diana Rigg in her 80s. Mrs. Peel went on to have a very good life. From St. Louis

[@Peacepeacelovee]

A year ago when she was diagnosed with cancer 😔 she was incredible

[@Del-yv1qy]

Wonderful,clever and classy.RIP.

[@TheNathanj2009]

Wonderful woman & great actress

[@computerjantje]

Diana Rigg played Olenna so very very well. With the few lines she had, she became an unforgettable character in Game of Thrones.

[@NarnianHogwart]

I agree she was awesome in GOT but why do you make it sound like she had a small role? ‘With the few lines she had’ - she was a central character for 5 out of 7 seasons.

[@carluslei9121]

We`ll never forget you Emma Peel

[@warrencox1101]

I STILL watch the Avengers to this day . Mrs Peal was absolutely stunning and classy and such a relief from the Sandra Dee, Debbie Reynolds type that had dominated the screen insouciantly the decade before. A true actress who took her craft to heart. I was devastated when she left the show. I really wanted to hang out with Emma Peal and kick some ass .

[@avs4365]

Saw her and Keith Michell in Abelard and Heloise from a second row seat decades ago. Never forgotten it. The force of her voice and presence. Powerfull.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Medea. Thrilling.

[@janicehussock7735]

me too. Long ago

[@lgfrades]

Bravo! She is so amazing! 💖

[@nitramretep]

Great interview and Q&A. Dame Rigg is amazing.

[@kenpudsey6435]

What a lovely lady..R.I.P.

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Always so much vitality.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

So sad hearing about her passing . I always loved her , then and up to her passing . She was also wonderful as the hose to Mystery Theater, which showed the Jeremy Brett , David Burke & Edward Hardwicke Sherlock Holmes. .. DIana RIgg will always be remembered..

[@harrythomas9261]

What an absolutely glorious lady. I love this woman so so much, rest in peace angel🥺

[@tristane3444]

I'm so thankful for my dad who showed me the avengers when I was a child ☺

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

May you rest in peace, Dame Diana.

[@Treeman196]

Great lady and a Yorkshire lass RIP

[@antmagor]

I remember her from my childhood as lady holiday in the great Muppet caper. Lady Tyrell was a great role for her.

[@ayersshawn]

Last episode of Diana Rigg on The Avengers. Patrick Macnee had tears in his eyes. Patrick was not acting. That was real. He really loved Diana. Diana really looked sexy in a Black Leather catsuit. They were the BEST. RIP. Patrick and Diana

[@XPRT10R]

Kudos to her for being unflapped and not dampened by the dreariness of the interviewer

[@helenkelly4355]

the audience was no better.

[@XPRT10R]

@@helenkelly4355 the audience is under no obligation. It's not their job, as it is for the interviewer

[@caccec]

Mrs Peel you are needed

[@ericgrimm4526]

Diana has so much to give the upcoming actors guilds all over the world!

[@cynthiayarbro9908]

A great lady and a great actress!

[@michaelmickcunningham1639]

Wow! I'm listening to the speech by Dame Diana Rigg, ho do I remember Emma Peel, I am 70years old this year and I fell in love with her back in 60s, and still am so today.

[@VenomBladeGaming]

RIP :( My favorite character from GOT, and an amazing person outside of the show.

[@robinmyman]

RIP Diana. ❣️

[@kandorstevenson]

Amazing, thank you.

[@harleyhartley3168]

rest in peace angel

[@DonnyWinter]

I love her so much!

[@levimacdonald5188]

RIP DAME Diana 🌹

[@altoarchives]

I saw that Medea - best thing I ever saw in the theatre. Utterly stunning....and the end!!!!!!!

[@kmerk306]

She should teach a Master Class online!

[@lluhu]

She was brilliant. One of a kind.

[@garyturley2435]

Gutted sad another LEGEND gone R.I.P

[@rajeevpaltrow8728]

Her Parkinson interviews during the 70s were great . Very beautiful and witty lady . RIP

[@timberwolf534]

I bought the complete dvd set of Dame Diana Rigg Avengers set only one i watch

[@kathleenclark5877]

Timberwolf You show superb taste. I agree with you completely. In fact, after this I shall sit down and start binge watching the show right the way through. She will be missed.

[@FantasyMedieval]

Olenna Tyrell is one of my favorite characters of all! God bless her.

[@davidmarshall718]

34:00 - 34:45 ---Hilarious. As a skier who remembers 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' when it was released in 1969, I don't think Diana was talking strictly about the leisure-time "piggyback" skiing experience here.......and that is one of many things that made her such a sweetheart. R.I.P. Diana

[@rexel666]

She's so wonderful and devoid of any feminist bullshit. Love her.

[@graceygrumble]

She will be missed by many people who were infinitely more connected to her than you or I. Their loss is so much greater. But, rattling through this comment section must give them some kind of comfort... hopefully, if they ever care to bother. From The Avengers to Detecorists and all points before, inbetween and after, she kicked bottoms! RIP.

[@andrewcampagnuolo2732]

Great!!!

[@perryedwards4746]

wonderful!

[@jorgegarbin3907]

Amor eterno por esta Dama, la legendaria sta. Emma Pell...

[@AkashSharma-sy7gm]

Rest in peace, lady Olenna. 🥺

[@johnpritchard5410]

Love "Theatre of Blood." Tell me when you recognize Diana Rigg.

[@barneyreilly9101]

Brilliant.

[@katewaldmann3792]

This was close to perfect but can we acknowledge that Judith Anderson was an Australian actress rather than an American actress please :)

[@Kevin-1969]

Amazing Actress, my favourite roles she played were in a movie called In This House of Brede, Mother Love, an episode of Murder in Mind. There are loads more but they are my favourites. I would love to have seen her cast with Joanna Lumley in something.

[@atelierfrancoisechauray19800]

Votre carrière fut brillante et votre beauté alliée d'un charme inégalé resteront dans les mémoires de plusieurs générations. Sans nul doute vous fûtes ma toute première Lady Diana. Une Grande Dame du théâtre et du cinéma. Vos talents étaient multiples; L'humour en faisait partie. Vous me manquerez toujours. Toutes mes condoléances vont à sa famille et ses proches à qui elle manquera terriblement.

[@bubbaclark4355]

Wonderful actress

[@only1utdanditsleeds]

Beauty and grace in natural abundance

[@JettBlast]

What a beautiful lady, I am so sad we cannot enjoy her company no longer...

[@georgeorr1042]

I respect that she let herself look like someone in her 80s - the natural way. Especially because she was one of the most beautiful women on the planet some 50 years back. You can't invest in looks for TOO long. Your mind, talent and health must come first . I must admit I do enjoy catching up on The Avengers on Apple TV - since I was born around the time it was on. The 1967 Diana Rigg is my fantasy woman. And that fantasy just involves taking her out to lunch and having some sarcastic banter and seeing that devastating smirk of her's. I'm realistic :)

[@noelleech8050]

Rest in peace

[@stevencassidy6982]

I bet they all know her for game of thrones. They won't remember 'Medea', 'mother love', Ohmss, 'Evil under the Sun', 'Bleak House', 'Hedda Gabler', and 'the Avengers'

[@brainsareus]

You want to shoot them for being young?

[@rjleslee]

She was good in the Hospital with George C Scot, Theatre of Blood with Vincent Price, Witness for the Prosecution with Beau Bridges. And a few years back The Painted Veil with Naomi Watts. All outstanding performance.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Rebecca.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

@@brainsareus He said no such thing, stop trolling.

[@kathleenclark5877]

Steven Cassidy The Avengers, of course. She was chilling in Mother Love (I would love to get hold of a DVD copy) and wonderful in In This House of Brede. Look at her passion and humility after such an amazing and lengthy career. So sad that we have lost her.

[@johnwatts8346]

what a wonderful brilliant beautiful special woman, and she didnt resort to plastic surgery as has aged, that reflects her character doesnt it. as with a guy like michael palin- universally loved by everyone.

[@michaelscribe4827]

Paying attention and hard work should get you attention and work in any field.

[@michaelklaws4404]

Ganz tolle Dame-unvergessen❤

[@arnesahlen2704]

I *so* appreciate that English actresses like Dame Diana🎉 and Dame Maggie Smith💐 allow themselve to age without aggressive plastic surgery, botox etc. REAL women!

[@dannyparis2942]

The late Diana Riggs timeless and beautiful classy lady even in demand in the modern day.. sex appeal charm and sophistication that was unmatched rest in peace in peace Diana Riggs

[@mihaelatudor2417]

I am not at all sure that the audience really gets what Diana is saying i.e. the magnitude of the actors and theater companies with which she had the fortune to work/experiment/create.....

[@davidcollier8929]

Thistv shows the advangers every day from ,5:30 to 7:00 am Monday to Friday.