Diana Rigg | Interview | The Avengers | Good Afternoon | 1974 | Part one

Part 1
'Good Afternoon' presenter Mary Parkinson chats with Diana Rigg, star of Screen, stage and the hugely popular TV show 'The Avengers'
First shown: 02/09/1974
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Quote: VT9728

[@sprezzatura8755]

I was a little boy when this show debuted on American television. I was utterly captivated by Emma Peel. Possibly my first crush. Her face is absolutely perfect for film.

[@yummysatay]

Read/heard this somewhere. When the producers trying to figure out a name. Her character has to be Men Appeal. eM appeal ... Emma Peel. She is gorgeous.

[@danielhurley7047]

I watched The Avengers when I was growing up, as a teenager. Had a huge crush on Diana. Her face is perfect, and so much class.

[@Me-hh6pf]

Pure classy lady

[@frankie6954]

What a beautiful classy lady, and what a wonderful voice.

[@thewomble1509]

That's RADA for you. She was born in Doncaster.

[@frankie6954]

@@thewomble1509 Why RADA for me.

[@Stand663]

Yes she’s a classical trained actress.

[@frankie6954]

@@thewomble1509 Sorry, I misread what you said, thanks for that.

[@thewomble1509]

@@frankie6954 No worries.

[@IndyCrewInNYC]

A gorgeous (and VERY intelligent) Woman. RIP 🌹

[@emmapeel2944]

Yes!!!She is!🤗😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

[@duskopopov77]

She was so so beautiful inside and outside, down to earth, and those eyes, she will surely b missed R.I.P. Diana Rigg 😪

[@drewstewart9016]

How much more articulate people seem in the 1970's. Everything is so dumbed down now.

[@andydixon2980]

And women, were ACTUAL REAL women. Beautiful, both of them.

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Yes the country standard's in so many ways has fallen & culture . A different world sadly .

[@haroldgodwinson4674]

Even as recently as 70s theatre & TV careers were all but inaccessible to anyone of the white, upper middle class club.

[@hayleyelizabeth717]

It really is. Extremely depressing.

[@None-zc5vg]

@@haroldgodwinson4674 Surely the theatre was monopolised by the white upper-middle-class: they weren't EXcluded from it, no way.

[@MikeScott-i1n]

She really was an epitome of beauty with brains.. The late Diane rigg world master class actress rest in peace legend.

[@davidphilips5543]

How I miss interviews like this ..polite, friendly, articulate, informative and all spoken in proper English!

[@philipcamp1370]

Before right bruv became a normal grunt !

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

🙌 👏 🙏 🤝 👍

[@Deepthought-42]

@@philipcamp1370Oh, you mean going “ innit” like.

[@koz449]

The whole world has dumbed down. People just want to look good and have things. Be better then the next person

[@nedludd7622]

Hardly anyone under 50 in the media biznez is articulate these days. That goes from talk websites to network talk shows to network news. They talk like Valley Girls using "like" all the time when it doesn't mean anything, for example. There are some older presenters that I have noticed didn't use that nonsense years ago but now have adopted it. To try to reach a younger demographic? It is a far cry from people like Walter Cronkite and Johnny Carson. Besides that, younger ones hem and haw regularly. When you see someone who can talk, it is a rare pleasure. An articulate invitee makes the presenters sound like fools. Of course the worst is on the Net. Even the not so young, say in their 30's haven't learned to talk. Hardly any of them sound professional, yet they are supposed run professional programs. Almost all need a speech coach to become tolerable.

[@donaldleroy6502]

My all time favorite British actress, drop dead gorgeous and intelligent

[@koz449]

I just loved her in the Avengers, and anything else I ever saw her in. Beautiful and smart. Kind person

[@5thdimensionliving727]

Diana was a legend 🙏 sophisticated, beautiful, articulate and intelligent . Very attractive at many levels. A national treasure 🙏🙏

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

🙌 👏 🙏 🤝 👍 You BET ! Even the Krauts (germans) loved her . . .

[@m-cdeslo4868]

True!

[@MichelJay]

Love Diana.... as a French kid, I was a crazy Avengers fan and she was by far my favourite "Steed partner". I wanted to see her play live and it did happen in London (of all places...), early January 1994, there she was playing the lead role in Medea. First row, I watched her non stop and was blown away.... still better than I expected. RIP, Diana, you're gone but not forgotten.

[@MichelJay]

@@ArZaino Je l'ai vue en janvier 1994, le 2 ou le 3, je passais le nouvel an à Londres, on sort du métro le 1er soir, temps londonien, gris, froid, pluvieux ambiance crachin qui vous traverse les vêtements, et en lettres lumineuses au loin, "Diana Rigg in Medea"... Justement je pensais à elle non stop à cette époque car je découvrais sa première saison dans The Avengers ( celle en noir et blanc) où elle était très jeune, somptueuse et glacialement érotique (cf. l'épisode "Death at bargain prices"). Bref, j'ai pris les meilleures places pour le lendemain et même mon pote, qui parlait peu l'anglais, est tombé raide... J'ai trouvé sa performance très technique, on sentait la super pro expérimentée, et sans doute un peu froide, mais je suis rétrospectivement comblé d'avoir pu la voir en action ( et de fort près) de mon vivant. Après, la personne privée.... peu importe ; c'est l'artiste qui nous intéresse. Paix à son âme 😔

[@avenger67]

It is a crime that she was not given more film parts, she was absolutely incredible in James Bond, The Hospital and A Little Night Music

[@kamuelalee]

Major crush on Diana Rigg as a kid in the 1960s. Amazing actress and she is sorely missed. RIP Great Lady!

[@johnwatts8346]

ive been in love with her my entire life, shes like shakespeare and the rolling stones- so perfectly wonderful that its kinda ridiculous...

[@DJWenlowe]

Brilliant to see this , Diana was a fantastic actress, I don't think she realised how good she was. From the Avengers to Bond , she delivered with interest 👍👍

[@andrewkohler3707]

To say nothing of Olenna Tyrell!!

[@emmapeel2944]

If she don’t know it,I will tell it and show it to her….!🥰😘😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️

[@jonniesantos]

Her saying “It’s a bit late…” in reference to not going to University is the most relatable, tangible, and endearing comment. Such a lovely person through and through… ❤

[@nikk796]

She really was an epitome of beauty with brains.

[@m.f.m.67]

Stunning woman. I had and will have a crush on her forever. RIP Diana.

[@hayleyelizabeth717]

Such class. Brilliant actress and beautiful woman. I adore her suit! Extremely sexy. My goodness we do live in such a dumbed down society. Very few speak this beautifully anymore.

[@DavidSmith-fs5qj]

I have to laugh when someone remarks that a female character in a tv show in the nineties or later is an example of a strong woman, especially if she displays fighting skills, they probably are not aware of Diana and Honor Blacknman, who potrayed strong women at a time when a woman taking on a man in a fight, and beating him was groundbreaking.

[@philipcamp1370]

Right bruvv

[@Bailey2006a]

Her book, “ No Turn Unstoned” is a wonderfully written , unflinching listing of some her most scathing reviews by myriad theatre critics. Rigg was a brilliant actor even in the final years of her life. Incomparable and sorely missed.

[@frankshailes3205]

Not just her reviews but loads of reviews across the history of theatre. A great read.

[@emmapeel2944]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@emmapeel2944]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@flamencoprof]

If I could come up with a title like that I wouldn't even need to write a book.

[@Bailey2006a]

@@frankshailes3205 True

[@edcampion3998]

Beautiful lady with a beautiful mind

[@jozefserf2024]

Far more wonderful than she herself ever realised. A great interview by Mary Parkinson, woman to woman.

[@jimsmith7212]

Diana Rigg. 😍 Last saw her as Mrs. Pumphry in All Creatures Great and Small. 🤗

[@kasrakhatir]

I'm surprised she wasn't proud of her big screen career at the time. She was incredible in On Her majesty's secret service.

[@benjaminclasper9355]

Her voice is so smooth and suttle A proper Englishwoman.

[@stewartwebb5699]

Great interview, such a lovely lady, Thanks for posting

[@aucourant9998]

She was always her own person, a really interesting woman.

[@trevorrandom]

Oh! I'm going to watch The Avengers right now 👍

[@karensmith7466]

love this woman I remember as a child in London England watching the Avengers :)

[@garybrockwell2031]

Still the best Bond girl 🎬🇬🇧🙏 had man appeal her whole life🙏RIP MISS❤️😍😇

[@johnbradley9859]

Light year's ahead of her time! And wonderful.

[@carltheblue.2531]

beautiful lady

[@barcyorky]

What an absolute gem 💎 she was, miss her still 😢❤.

[@piccadilyroad66]

Suddenly I feel blessed for still keeping The Avengers season 5 in full colour broadcast. Very classy action comedy at same frame. Mrs. Emma Peel was the best young british femme fatale detective in fiction so far.

[@barryh.4220]

Yes, she was ..... I still watch repeats of the Avengers whenever they are shown on tv ..... and i have a box set of them .... as well as one of the Champions.

[@herbertluthe6850]

She was my first TV love.

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Great Actress & fabulous looking & stylish best Adventer Girl with Steed . Great show still watch today.

[@dariuszknitter1915]

Beautiful woman. Legendary The Avengers. ♥️

[@evanescapades2513]

Forever missed… oh how i wept when Diana left us… ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bowtieguy377]

Diana Rigg RIP. One of the many gifts Great Britain so graciously shared with us here in the U.S.

[@Tomghh]

Her intelligence and articulation is so beautiful to watch.

[@Trojan0304]

First TV actress I loved , classic

[@brunomalta4698]

Its amazing to see that she tought she didnt had a face for movies or Tv. She was so pretty that its unreal to think she had these toughts.

[@johnwatts8346]

dear diana, you are the tops!

[@debstilson3827]

Wonderful interview! Thanks for posting...

[@Kate1Chopin]

She appeared briefly in Detectorists with her daughter, Rachel Stirling, also an actress. ❤

[@edbarker8636]

She was a stunning beauty

[@geridayao8924]

Her work in HMSS was great.

[@DeniseIreland-i1q]

Webster's Dictionary defines Diana Rig as brightest Star! Great show, brilliant and gifted Actress; Diana was God's gift to the world! Blessings

[@bunnystuart3808]

The country has lost a national lovely lady 😘

[@rogermanlove1901]

"Mrs. Peel - You're needed." Mr. Steed after she opened her door. "Yes? Mr. Steed?"

[@paulmc5542]

Such a classy lady I loved her in the avengers

[@fergaoneill5323]

The late Diane rigg world master class actress rest in peace legend

[@michaelgibson4705]

Michael Parkinson’s wife Mary a very good interviewer in her own right.Diana just fabulous,Pat Mcnee adored her,always acknowledged as a great actress

[@paulramon3353]

ah, that's who she is, perfectly pitched qurstions

[@mikeyramone33]

Its so nice to hear English spoken by English people.

[@margaretbuckley9309]

DIANA WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN INSIDE AND OUT LOVED HER IN THE BOND MOVIE ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE WITH GEORGE LAZENBY ITS THE BEST BOND MOVIE

[@67Parsifal]

One word: HOT!!!!!

[@lloydc3742]

I was a USAF brat in 1965-1967 living in England while my dad served at RAF Chicksands. The Avengers was my favorite show and I had a big crush on Diana. It spoiled me because over the years being back in the USA I am disappointed in the likes of Madonna, Miley Cyrus, the Kardashians and all the other American celebrities who are vulgar and lack class. Diana Rigg is very humble despite her wonderful performances and striking beauty. By the way Emma Peel was a play on M. appeal short for Man Appeal which was certainly true.

[@RonaldAshby-y9y]

I will ALWAYS love her!

[@luisMusicoLurhier]

Una mujer hermosa e inteligente, combinación que raras veces se da...

[@johnsteed265]

Your face was absolutely perfect!

[@andyledger2307]

I loved seeing her In ‘Detectorists’ where she played the mum of Rachael Stirling - her own daughter.

[@DeniseIreland-i1q]

Great interviewer questions and engaged Diana in sincere conversation. Blessings

[@axxellein]

Very Classy! She was The Quill

[@mwsc04]

"People find what I say shocking is that I call a spade a spade, and they've called a spade a shovel all these years" (paraphrased) - brilliant words of wisdom

[@FERRETMAXIMUS]

Diana was awesome as emme peel in the avengers, its still my all-time favourite tv programme . I admire, respect, and adore her . She has something about her that is on another level. Mesmerising is the word im looking for .

[@stevehughes1510]

Was watching a couple of the colour episodes yesterday, brilliant stuff, very well written and acted. Love those '60s Brit programmes, timeless in a way.

[@1GoodWoman]

A wonderful woman and an inspiration still. We need more like her today.

[@4736dmr]

I was a big fan of the show, growing up, and she was a marvelous and attractive. Watching the Avengers, was a nice change of pace, at that time, from watching mostly westerns , like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Big Valley. She was wonderful. RIP

[@DonCarlosHormozi]

The interview flows so nicely....

[@waltsudol7198]

The reason I watched the avengers was because of Diana rigg my favorite show on Friday night's what a incredible woman beautiful & intelligent a joy to watch it was a shame she was there for only 2 seasons after she left the series went downhill , she will always have a place in my heart RIP diana

[@willewinky]

People forgetting the interviewer who has done a wonderful job.

[@stevekru6518]

Interviewer? What interviewer? There could be a gorilla in the video and I’d see only Diana Rigg

[@davids8449]

Nice to watch but the copyright is bloody awful

[@larryscott3982]

Celebrity done right. Poise discipline humor skill wit and yes looks

[@johnclay7644]

good 74 interview

[@annaritaranalli1791]

She seemed smart too

[@owllover813]

She was so so good in the avengers!!!

[@dammitjim9131]

She was perfect all her life!

[@beaviskornholio2754]

She was sexy in a very elegant way ❤. R.i.p. Diana Rigg

[@m-cdeslo4868]

True!

[@doctornurse888]

My role model, hero and very favorite actress ever.

[@derekogilvie6942]

brilliant interview for anyone interested in psychology and body language analysis.

[@simonparry5958]

Elizabeth Shepherd originaly got the part but it didn’t work out thank goodness legend Dianna Rigg the rest is history

[@WildRover1964]

I love her look here...such casual beauty.

[@jacksugden8190]

I used to watch Good Afternoon for the theme music and Mary, shame about losing Rigg + Patrick Macnee as John Steed.

[@ROCKY-pu1zt]

What an Amazing and Beautiful woman

[@jasonayres]

Today, I've come to see Diana Rigg in a different light (1:42 - 2:04)

[@RodFleming-World]

Genuinely a lovely woman.

[@gillesbueno1153]

Those days when I was taught proper English language… Such a wonderful actress she was. She contributed to reunify both countries. I’m French… PS: the lady who interviewed her did the job too. Although remaining unknown on this side of the “English Channel !”…😖

[@robertoaudiffred7936]

Why are some parts censored? Is it some copyright infringement thing?

[@barryh.4220]

Diana Rigg was fabulous as 'Emma Peel', wasn't she? What a unique show the Avengers was in the sixties, real cult stuff, so different to everything else. Aside from Diana, the only other actress i had the hots for back then, was the equally stunning Alexandra Bastedo of the Champions .. again real cult stuff..

[@Design_no]

Right up until the end she was doing great with GoT.

[@j5365]

I miss Mrs. Emma Peel

[@bunnystuart3808]

A proper English rose 🌹

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

🙌 👏 🙏 🤝 👍

[@chrisedwards4403]

What I’d give for a woman like that in my life! Fabulously articulate, engaging and attractive.

[@alegramonticelli6038]

The chemestry between these two women ist fascinating

[@blueapple4044]

Hard to believe Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones was played by Diana Rigg.

[@uhf001]

what a babe!

[@stupotts909]

The best x

[@drwatsonca6945]

i disagree when she talks about features. She made a lot of so called beautiful people look average. Golden age Hepburn was my film crush. Rigg was my first TV crush. She took the role in the Avengers and made it her own. Smart. funny and confident.

[@gazza1196]

Oh I miss the 70s

[@cosmicdebris2223]

I endlessly loved that woman, if only she had known. Her self-deprecation is sad because she certainly _does_ have the face, I don't even find it too big either. Look at actors like Patrick Duffy, his head is massive but they all liked him in his role too. She was just too modest, a trait some these days ought to adopt as it now it's all about mutual admiration and how cool you think you are and pretend to be. She's in a class of he own and never, it seems, really realized how much she was liked both as a person and an actor. By the way, why are there periods of total blur? Does anyone know what was going on there?

[@barrylangford3276]

All photographs are blurred in case the photographer claims breach of copyright. It's pretty ridiculous to apply this blur out rule even to childhood family photos, but that's the way things are nowadays unfortunately.