TRIBUTE AFTER DEATH OF HIS ON-SCREEN WIFE
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conference at London’s Dorchester Hotel that first helped promote the movie, George said: “We certainly had chemistry. I’d read the Ian Fleming novel and Tracy was a blonde. But Diana was great for me.”
The film became memorable for its tragic ending when Rigg’s character Tracy Bond was killed in a drive-by shooting and 007 cried: “It’s quite all right, really, she’s having a rest.”
It was George’s only foray as the suave secret service agent but the affecting moment of him crying has seen the f i lm – once widely hammered by critics – be reappraised by fans and championed by modern- day directors Christopher Nolan and Edgar Wright.
George said: “At the end, when she died, I cried. But the director told me,
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went to his barber and tailor. I threw myself into it and never hesitated.” Diana, who was made a dame in 1994 for services to drama , was best known for her roles as Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers and for playing Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, for which she was nominated for a string of Emmys.
She was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and died at home.
Her daughter Rachael Stirling said: “My beloved ma died peacefully in her sleep this morning, surrounded by family. She spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words.”
Tributes poured in from the acting and theatre world. Playwright Sir Tom Stoppard said: “She went to work with her sleeves rolled up and a smile for everyone. Her talent was luminous.”
Game of Thrones star John Bradley said: “Diana was wonderful. But you all knew that already. Everybody did.”