I didn’t know this story, and I doubt it would’ve come across my feed if my dear, longtime friend Stephen Robinson weren’t obsessed with Diana Rigg and the British show that helped make her famous, The Avengers, which I admit (don’t tell Stephen), I have never seen, other than in occasional clips posted to social media by my friend. It looks very silly and the male character is played by a man I find pretty unattractive and yes, I am that ridiculous. She, however, is fabulous, but what’s with all the ludicrous sexy kitten costumes she’s being put in, while her male co-star is inevitably suited and tied? Argh. The 60s.
I saw her – with Stephen? – in Medea on Broadway ages ago; it was terrific. But here’s the tale that – beyond her obvious talents and achievements – I did not know that made me love her even more. In 1968, a 27-year-old Ms. Rigg asked for and had a meeting with the producers of The Avengers. She called for the meeting because she had a simple question for them – them being all male: Why am I being paid a fraction of what my male co-star earns?
The guys tell her that’s how it works and that she’s lucky to have the role in what is a massive hit show. Hey, you should be grateful. Nota bene that whenever men or a man tells you you should be grateful for being given this or that (like the right to vote, or, hey you could be living in Saudi Arabia!)) please watch out, and if you’re so inclined, do let me know about it, and I’ll help you bury the body. In the case of Ms. Rigg – she decided to quit the show right then and there. Boom!
The infamous but you should be grateful to be working salary differential? Her dull as ditchwater co-star was taking home £1,000 per week, while the lovely Emma Peel – a.k.a. Diana Rigg – was getting just over £80.
About Emma Peel – if you’re going to cast a powerful smart woman in the role of a powerful smart woman who regularly outwits villains with her impressive intelligence and broad skill set – you’re not only going to inspire women and girls, you’re very likely going to get your ‘be grateful’ nonsense tossed back in your face by a powerful, intelligent woman. Or, you should; there are women – and I totally get this – who would say, I’m changing the playing field for women and girls by being in this role, showing these skills and this wit, thus, it’s worth it. Not Ms. Rigg.
For the next 50 years, abandoning The Avengers did not, as predicted, ruin or end Rigg’s career. She was too talented, and too determined for that; she did theatre in the U.K. and abroad, films. and more TV – including her truly delicious co-star turn on GOT – at the triumphant end of a long, rewarding actor’s journey. Rigg also played the one and only Mrs. James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and for me, personally, George Lazenby was a very hot, very acceptable Bond, especially given he was able to snag the fabulous Diana Rigg!
All. Hail. Diana. Rigg.