British actress Diana Rigg, who became popular around the world for her portrayal of the character Lady Olenna Tyrell in the smash hit TV show, Game of Thrones, passed away on Thursday aged 82 after a battle with cancer. Rigg had won numerous Emmy, Tony and BAFTA Awards during her illustrious career, while also securing classic theatre roles including those in popular mainstream TV shows. 

"My Beloved Ma died peacefully in her sleep early this morning, at home, surrounded by family," her actress daughter Rachael Stirling said in a statement. Ms Stirling further stated, "She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words." She added, "She spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession."

Born in Doncaster in northern England, Diana Rigg moved to India with her family before attending school in England and went on to pursue her studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She then made her debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959. Rigg rose to fame after starring in the cult British espionage 1960s TV programme, The Avengers, as the character Emma Peel, which saw her as an full-out action star clad in leather attire alongside Patrick McNee’s bowler-hatted John Steed. 

Diana Rigg then secured a role in the 1969 James Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, opposite George Lazenby who played the popular British spy. The James Bond 007 official Twitter account posted a heartfelt condolence message honoring her which reads as follows: "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Diana Rigg, the legendary stage and screen actress who was much beloved by Bond fans for her memorable performance as Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the only woman to have married James Bond."

Recently, she is best known for playing Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, which was based on author George R. R. Martin’s books. The official Twitter page of the TV show as well posted an honorary message in memory of the late actress saying, "Be a dragon. The realm will always remember Diana Rigg."