Diana Rigg Quotes

Powerful Diana Rigg for Daily Growth

About Diana Rigg

Diana Rigg, born on July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, England, was an acclaimed British actress known for her versatile performances on stage, television, and film. She was a celebrated figure in the world of acting, earning international fame for her roles in iconic series like "The Avengers," "Game of Thrones," and "Emma." Rigg's passion for drama ignited at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) where she graduated in 1957. Her professional acting career began with roles in repertory theater, leading to her breakthrough as Emma Peel in the spy-fi series "The Avengers" (1965-1968). The role solidified her status as a sex symbol and action heroine, paving the way for more challenging roles. In 1972, Rigg made her Broadway debut in the play "Abelard and Heloise," which earned her a Tony Award nomination. Her performance as Countess di Lautrec in "Anthony and Cleopatra" at the National Theatre and as Mrs. Havisham in a televised version of "Great Expectations" showcased her impressive range. Rigg's portrayal of Olenna Tyrell in "Game of Thrones" (2013-2017) brought her a new generation of fans. Her final acting role was as Lady Tremaine in the film adaptation of "Cinderella" in 2015. Throughout her illustrious career, Rigg received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, one BAFTA, and a Laurence Olivier Award. Her impact on British theater and television is immeasurable, and she will be remembered as an inspirational actress who fearlessly took on complex roles and shattered stereotypes. Diana Rigg passed away in 2020 at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire actors worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Nobody does evil intentionally, and everyone feels their actions are justified."

This quote suggests that most people, in their hearts, do not set out to do harm or wrong; they genuinely believe that their actions are justified based on their personal beliefs, values, or circumstances. It's a reminder that human behavior is often influenced by our subjective interpretations of situations, which can lead us to justify actions that might be perceived as harmful or wrong by others. This perspective encourages empathy and understanding towards others, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of their motivations and actions.


"Life is far too short for musts and shoulds."

This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present, free from rigid expectations or regrets about what could have been. It encourages us to prioritize our experiences and enjoy life as it unfolds, rather than dwelling on unmet desires or imagined possibilities. In essence, Diana Rigg's words serve as a reminder that life is too precious to waste time on "musts" and "shoulds", which often stem from societal pressures or personal insecurities, and instead, focus on the moments that truly matter.


"I don't think you can be a star without a dark side."

This quote suggests that true greatness or stardom often involves a complex balance of attributes, including both light and shadow aspects. In other words, individuals who achieve notable success may possess qualities that are admirable and inspiring, but they may also struggle with flaws, challenges, or less desirable traits. The "dark side" alludes to these complexities, which can sometimes be hidden, misunderstood, or overlooked in the public eye, yet play a crucial role in shaping the individual's journey and ultimately their success. It serves as a reminder that individuals are multi-dimensional, and true understanding often requires seeing beyond the surface.


"The older I get, the more I am convinced that women are not equal to men because if we were, life would be easier for us."

This quote suggests that despite societal progress towards gender equality, there remains a gap in the lived experiences between men and women. Diana Rigg implies that if women were truly equal to men, various aspects of life, such as social norms, systems, or structures, would be more favorable for women, leading to an overall easier existence.


"We cannot choose our emotions, but we can control what we do with them."

This quote emphasizes that while we may not have direct control over the emotions we experience, we possess the power to manage our actions in response to those feelings. It suggests a call to self-awareness and self-discipline, encouraging individuals to channel their emotions constructively instead of letting them dictate harmful behavior.


I cry all the time. Remembrance Day in particular. In fact, anything to do with veterans makes me sob.

- Diana Rigg

Fact, Veterans, Remembrance, Sob

I find the whole feminist thing very boring. They are so much on the defensive that they dare not love a man because they feel assaulted by being dependent.

- Diana Rigg

Love, Feel, Very, Feminist

I was nourished and nurtured at Stratford as a very young actress. They guided me and forgave me!

- Diana Rigg

Young, Actress, Very, Nourished

I've played the Greek classics; I've played the English classics. I promise you, I'm not complacent, because I hope to be playing all sorts of stuff that I've never played before while the mind - and the body - still functions.

- Diana Rigg

Mind, Greek, Still, Complacent

I step into a character in my public life. People who don't make that distinction are dooooomed.

- Diana Rigg

Life, People, Distinction, Public Life

We depend on the critics to give us a glimpse of what happened. Bernard Shaw championed Ibsen, who got the most terrible notices for his plays. Kenneth Tynan championed young writers, and as a result, the theatre has changed radically.

- Diana Rigg

Young, Depend, Bernard, Notices

I confess I do a lot of the wrong things: I smoke, and I drink wine, and people might be horrified at my eating habits - I eat when I'm hungry, and if I'm not, I don't.

- Diana Rigg

Smoke, Habits, Might, Wrong Things

We have no companies now, not in the sense that I know, that nurture actors. It's very depressing that, given the money they get, the companies today don't number up in my estimation. They should be bringing on young talent, and they don't.

- Diana Rigg

Young, Very, Given, Nurture

Once, when I was playing a nude scene in an indifferent play in New York, a critic wrote, 'Diana Rigg is built like a brick basilica with too few flying buttresses.' Do you think that's fair?

- Diana Rigg

Play, Fair, Scene, Brick

I have always thought of myself as rather a happy person. Apart from a few knocks along the way, I consider myself to have been extremely lucky.

- Diana Rigg

Lucky, Always, Been, Happy Person

All these old images of me floating across the screen, the terrible chasm of what you were and what you are. I know who I am, but these people who see me as I was then don't.

- Diana Rigg

Old, Screen, Images, Floating

I get tetchy with myself when I forget. I also get tetchy when directors ask you for take after take after take after take for no apparent reason. I've heard Maggie Smith gets tetchy for the same reason.

- Diana Rigg

Myself, Reason, Smith, Apparent

I was nice and well-mannered because I was taught manners. I was very imaginative and quite adventurous. I was a tomboy, and I was always jealous that my older brother Hugh had bigger toy aeroplanes than me. I was always playing with boys' toys; I don't remember owning any dolls.

- Diana Rigg

Older Brother, Very, Had, Aeroplanes

I wouldn't like to see a female Bond, because we wouldn't want to lose the Bond girls. But we could have a lesbian Bond - why not?

- Diana Rigg

Want, Like, Could, Why Not

In actual fact, I doubled 'Twelfth Night' and 'The Avengers'. I was going backwards and forwards to Stratford. I played matinees Wednesday, matinee and evenings Saturdays, and the other days of the week, I was filming in Elstree.

- Diana Rigg

Other, Forwards, Actual, Saturdays

You hand the baton on, and that's why roles like 'Medea' resonate for years and years, as each new actor comes to it.

- Diana Rigg

New, Like, Years And Years, Baton

There was a guy called Carlos Thompson, who was I think Argentinian, and he was doing a series called 'Sentimental Agent'. That was the very first thing that I did. It was supposed to be taking place in some exotic location, but in actual fact, it was Chertsey with a few shivering potted palms.

- Diana Rigg

Doing, Some, Very, Sentimental

An awful lot of actors shy away from the uglier aspects of the human condition. They want to be liked, which is a cop-out. You've got to go for it.

- Diana Rigg

Human Condition, Which, Uglier

I was very, very young, living in India. I'd been put to bed in the afternoon, and I had that lovely feeling you have when you're about to nod off. I remember the yellow curtains of the room blowing in the wind and feeling blissfully happy and content.

- Diana Rigg

I Remember, Bed, Very, Blowing

Do you know, I have no idea how I got 'The Avengers'? I'd left the Royal Shakespeare Company, and I was one of a long list of girls, and got it on my audition.

- Diana Rigg

Idea, Audition, List, Avengers

Some of those early photographs of me might as well be sepia. It's always thought that I disclaim television and am too theatre, but the truth is 'The Avengers' bores me now. I was grateful because it catapulted me into stage stardom. It was good. I'm not ashamed of it. But I only did it for two years.

- Diana Rigg

Good, Thought, Some, Avengers

In the old days, a star was someone up there - you know, Greta Garbo - but a telly star was somebody you could approach.

- Diana Rigg

Star, Old, Could, Telly

There were no prototypes for me - the telly was full of little blonde juveniles.

- Diana Rigg

Me, Blonde, Were, Telly

Years ago I was at a function, and I must have said something really rude to Paul Daniels the magician. I can't recall what I said, but I remember him looking utterly crestfallen. I'm not that sort of person, but I must have said something very cutting and belittling. Our paths haven't crossed since, but if they had, I would have said sorry to him.

- Diana Rigg

I Remember, Very, Had, Crossed

It's particularly exhausting because Medea is defined by her determination. The role is all about endeavour.

- Diana Rigg

Her, Role, Particularly, Defined

I think you have to know someone to truly dislike them, don't you? That said, I'd shove most politicians into a cauldron and boil them up.

- Diana Rigg

Think, Dislike, I Think, Shove

Yes, well, you are quite camp, so I guess that he could see the point of you.

- Diana Rigg

Yes, Could, Point, Camp

It tends to be overlooked that many people are indirectly affected by thoughtless and cruel journalism.

- Diana Rigg

Cruel, Overlooked, Journalism

I love 'Mastermind'. It's touching that people spend so much time learning. I do have quite good general knowledge, but I wouldn't consider going on the show. I also like watching 'Only Connect.'

- Diana Rigg

Love, Learning, Show, General Knowledge

I've been utterly and completely castigated from time to time.

- Diana Rigg

Time, Been, Utterly, From Time To Time

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