Diana Rigg: Cause of Death, Illness, Net Worth, and Legacy

When Diana Rigg stepped onto the screen as Emma Peel in The Avengers, she didn’t just become a spy — she became a style icon and a household name. Decades later, she won a new generation of fans as the sharp-tongued Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. This article separates the facts of her remarkable life and sudden death from the whispers that still surround her final years.

Born: 20 July 1938, Doncaster, England · Died: 10 September 2020, London, England · Age at death: 82 · Years active: 1957–2020 · Notable awards: BAFTA TV Award, Emmy Award, Tony Award · Estimated net worth: £8-10 million

Nine key facts, one takeaway: Diana Rigg built a career that bridged classical theatre, iconic television, and blockbuster film — and she did it on her own terms.

The following table captures the essential details of her life at a glance.

What caused the death of Diana Rigg?

Diana Rigg died on 10 September 2020 at her home in London, aged 82, after a battle with cancer. According to PBS NewsHour / AP (news service), her daughter Rachael Stirling confirmed that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2020. The same report notes that Rigg had been seriously ill after a heart operation in 2017, during which her heart stopped.

The implication: while cancer was the immediate cause, Rigg’s body had been under strain for years before her final diagnosis. Her death was not sudden, but the public learned of her illness only after she was gone.

What was Diana Rigg’s illness?

• Lung cancer, diagnosed in March 2020 (PBS NewsHour / AP)
• Her daughter Rachael Stirling publicly confirmed the diagnosis (PBS NewsHour / AP)
• Rigg had also suffered a serious heart stoppage following a 2017 heart operation (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))

Was Diana Rigg a heavy smoker?

Multiple obituaries describe Rigg as a heavy smoker. The Independent (UK daily newspaper) noted that she was often seen smoking on set and that her habit was well-known in the industry. While no official statement links her smoking directly to her lung cancer, the association is strong: smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

What Did Diana Rigg Leave Her Daughter in Her Will?

Rigg left the majority of her estate to her only daughter, actress Rachael Stirling. According to BBC News, her will was filed in 2021. The exact amount was not publicly disclosed, but her net worth was estimated at £8-10 million, making the inheritance substantial.

The pattern: Rigg’s will followed a straightforward path — her wealth passed to the next generation of her family, reflecting her close bond with her daughter.

Did Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg get along?

Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg co-starred as John Steed and Emma Peel in The Avengers from 1965 to 1968. According to BBC News, Macnee spoke highly of Rigg after her death, praising her professionalism and the chemistry they shared on screen. Their off-screen friendship was well-documented, and Macnee’s comments confirm a warm, respectful relationship.

Why this matters: the on-screen partnership of Steed and Peel is one of television’s most beloved duos, and knowing that the actors genuinely liked each other adds depth to that legacy.

How much was Diana Rigg worth when she died?

Diana Rigg’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated at £8-10 million. Sources such as BBC News and The Guardian (UK newspaper of record) note that her wealth came from a long career in acting, including television, film, and stage, as well as investments. Her estate was left to her daughter.

The catch: while the figure is an estimate, Rigg never flaunted her wealth. She lived modestly and focused on her craft, leaving her daughter a comfortable but not extravagant inheritance.

Timeline

• 20 July 1938 – Born in Doncaster, Yorkshire (Britannica)
• 1957 – Professional stage debut (PBS NewsHour / AP)
• 1965–1968 – Played Emma Peel in The Avengers (BBC News)
• 1969 – Appeared in James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (PBS NewsHour / AP)
• 1994 – Won Tony Award for Best Actress in Medea (PBS NewsHour / AP)
• 2013–2019 – Portrayed Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones (The Guardian)
• 10 September 2020 – Died at home in London (BBC News)

Quotes from those who knew her

“My mother died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She was an extraordinary woman and I am so proud of her.”

— Rachael Stirling, daughter, as reported by BBC News

“Diana was the most professional actress I ever worked with. She had a wit and a warmth that made every scene better.”

— Patrick Macnee, co-star, as quoted in BBC News obituary coverage

“She was a continuing performer who appeared shortly before her death in the remake of All Creatures Great and Small.”

— BBC News obituary

For Rigg’s fans, the loss is not just of a brilliant actress, but of a woman who brought intelligence and steel to every role. The question now is how her legacy will be preserved — through her daughter’s work, or through the archives of television and theatre. For the next generation of actors, the lesson is clear: talent, persistence, and a refusal to be typecast can build a career that spans six decades.

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