Diana Rigg's Real Name: Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg
Diana Rigg → Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg
Quick answer: The actress is known professionally as Diana Rigg. Britannica and BBC News independently give the original name Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg. Britannica dates her birth to July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, and her death to September 10, 2020, in London. BBC News independently says she was born near Doncaster on July 20, 1938.
Real name and early life
Independent publishers support the documented original name Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg. Britannica gives the name in full as Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg, dates the birth to July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and says she spent her early childhood in India and returned to Yorkshire at age eight. BBC News, in a September 10, 2020, obituary, independently gives Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg and says she was born near Doncaster on July 20, 1938, and travelled to India as a toddler. This page records both "Doncaster" and "near Doncaster." Britannica says she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, made her professional debut in the York Festival's 1957 production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Television Academy independently dates the birth to July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, Yorkshire.
Career highlights
Britannica says she landed the role of Emma Peel on The Avengers (1965–67) and later appeared in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). The same account records a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in Medea, an Emmy-winning performance as Mrs. Danvers in a 1997 adaptation of Rebecca, later work as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, and the 1982 book No Turn Unstoned. BBC News independently names Emma Peel, a Tony for Medea, and an Emmy for Mrs. Danvers, and says she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the same year as the Medea Tony. Britannica dates that honor to 1994. The Television Academy independently lists Emma Peel, Game of Thrones, and one Emmy win.
Death
The Associated Press reported that her agent, Simon Beresford, said she died Thursday, September 10, 2020, at home with her family, at age 82. Britannica and the Television Academy independently date the death to September 10, 2020, in London.
Name notes for searchers
People looking up Diana Rigg or Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg are looking for the same English actress. Britannica and BBC News support the original name used in the title.
FAQ
What is Diana Rigg's real name?
Britannica and BBC News independently give the original name Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg. She was known professionally as Diana Rigg, and later as Dame Diana Rigg.
When and where was she born?
July 20, 1938, according to Britannica, BBC News, and the Television Academy. Britannica and the Television Academy place the birth in Doncaster, Yorkshire; BBC News says near Doncaster.
When and where did she die?
September 10, 2020, according to the Associated Press, Britannica, and the Television Academy. Britannica and the Television Academy place the death in London.
What role first made her widely known?
Emma Peel on The Avengers, according to Britannica, BBC News, and the Television Academy.