It had marked generations of viewers.

British actress Diana Rigg, world famous for playing the role of Emma Peel in the "Bowler Hat and Leather Boots" series, died Thursday, September 10 at the age of 82.

"We are extremely sad to announce that Diana Rigg died peacefully, early this morning," said her agent Simon Beresford in a statement, specifying that her death had taken place "at her home, surrounded by her family".

"My beloved mother passed away peacefully in her sleep early this morning," her daughter, actress Rachael Stirling, confirmed.

"She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her final months happily reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and deep pride in her profession."

"It is impossible to express how much we will miss her," she added.

British actress Diana Rigg, famous for her roles in the cult series "Bowler Hat and Leather Boots" and "Game of Thrones", died this morning at the age of 82, her agent #AFP pic said. twitter.com/wAHMmlLVwz

- AFP London (@AFP_Londres) September 10, 2020

On television and in the theater

Diana Rigg rose to fame with her charming and humorous portrayal of Emma Peel, John Steed's sidekick in the 1960s television series "Bowler Hat and Leather Boots", but she also pursued a successful career in theater.

His interpretations of Medea in the eponymous play by Euripides, and of Mother Courage by Bertolt Brecht, have earned him several prestigious distinctions.

She had also appeared in the movies in an episode of James Bond "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

She embodies the only woman who manages to marry 007.

For the younger generation, Diana Rigg will be remembered for her portrayal of Olenna Tyrell in "Game of Thrones".

His interpretation of a manipulative character, who is not afraid to confront the most powerful men of Westeros, brings a Shakespearean dimension to the fantastico-medieval saga. 

Learning of her death, the British director David Hare hailed "the dazzling change of course" that she had been able to breathe into her career, paying tribute to this "Emma Peel who, when she played Euripides' Medea, the Martha of Albee, or Brecht's Mother Courage, swept everything before her ".

"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 Jump."

pic.twitter.com/nqQCSg35oM

- James Bond (@ 007) September 10, 2020

With AFP

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