Diana Rigg: Avenger

Diana Rigg became an eternal, cultural icon thanks to her role as Emma Peel on TV's The Avengers. Movie Man Eric takes an in depth look into her career from The Avengers to James Bond to Game of Thrones.

[@davidaaaa4611]

I miss The Avengers tv program. It was my favorite and she was my favorite actress. I have never found one to replace her. She was the best. Liked Patrick Macnee also.

[@westzed23]

She was an amazing and talented actress. Shakespeare, action, spy, period pieces, murderer; she could do it all. I first saw her as Emma Peel and was sad to see her leave that role. But I loved many of her other roles such as in Mrs. Bradley Mysteries, Evil Under the Sun, Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca, Bleak House, and in Doctor Who's Crimson Horror.

[@4leafclover611]

I met Dame Diana Rigg in 94 while she was performing meada

[@user-vj2wt7jh7j]

Dame Diana Rigg was often said to be the smartest person in the room. She was a brilliant actress, I just watched OHMSS she was so different in that part, except towards the end when she kicked the asses of a couple henchmen then Emma Peel was back. The Avengers had a great effect on British culture from fashion to the Beatles who were fans. Paul Mccartney in 1967 showed up at her home to give her a copy of "Sgt Pepper" and said simply "I just wanted to meet you". The cover for "Abbey Road" was reportedly inspired by the runway scene of "The Hour that Never Was" episode. Patrick Macnee later claimed that "She was very naughty" which I have always been curious about- there are a lot of ways for a beautiful woman to be naughty. In several episodes like "Who's Who ???" she whispered something into other actor's ears like Freddie Jones/John Steed to convince him that she was Emma Peel that made him blush- it must have been something fairly risque that surprised him. She is frequently considered the most important James Bond woman as Tracy Bond. I find it interesting the tie between Bond and The Avengers many Avengers actors ended up in Bond films. I suspect OddJobs steel brimmed bowler hat was inspired by John Steed's steel brimmed bowler hat. Honor Blackman the Avengers star who was replaced by Diana Rigg was also Pussy Galore in the same movie Goldfinger.

[@rick4electric]

I love your affection for Diana Rigg! I feel the same way! So beautiful and intelligent and self aware! She was the sixties all rolled up in one package! Perfect style and poise! Women today should take lessons from her! Confidence without abrasiveness! Balance and grace in motion. Will we ever see the like?

[@jokerswild01]

Very nice and well done tribute. !

[@arnesahlen2704]

8:45 Hendry was the bigger star at Avengers' very start, so in accuracy HE was joined by Macnee.

[@chrishansen9357]

The best part of the series was Diana's interpretation of Mrs. Peel.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Her co-star repeatedly credited her with rewriting their dialogue & producers allowed them to improvise on set, so their spontaneity & camaraderie were real.

[@dustinneely]

OHMSS has got to be a top 5 Bond film easy. It's underrated!

[@WndD_74]

It’s only been the later years as being at least in the top 5 or 8 depending on who’s doing the ranking. Diana Rigg is mine and many others as the top “Bond Girl” a pitiful category for Diana as she not only equaled Bond but could have been a new character, a female Bond…but where would than have left Emma Peel?

[@jimbecarroll5780]

THAT voice @ 13:48 is Eartha Kitt ! , the real Cat Woman

[@PaulChiesa-db5zn]

A class act

[@williamcurtin5692]

I should have known things weren't going to work out with my college girlfriend when she asked about Mrs. Peel. "What do you see in her?".

[@howardblasingame7961]

Man Appeal. The dawn of feminism.