End Credits #97: Cinema's 2020 Lost Treasures Rhonda Fleming, Diana Rigg
These are some of Cinema's sad departures of 2020 taken from my personal notes soon after the events took place:
Another actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age has sadly left us: the captivating Rhonda Fleming at age 97. Known for her radiant beauty, Rhonda always provided noticeable conviction to every role she played. Her alluring presence can be admired in Alfred Hitchcock’s Spellbound (1945), Robert Siodmak’s The Spiral Staircase (1946) and perhaps the greatest of all films noir, Jacques Tourneur’s Out of the Past (1947). Speaking of noir, Rhonda brought her characters vividly to life in Cry Danger (1951), Inferno (1953), The Killer is Loose (1956), Slightly Scarlet (1956) and While the City Sleeps (1956). She co-starred in the westerns Abilene Town (1946, with Randolph Scott) Pony Express (1953, with Charlton Heston), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957, with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas) and Gun Glory (1957, with Stewart Granger) amongst others. Rhonda also appeared in various TV series such as Wagon Train (1958 - 1963), Burke’s Law (1963 - 1964) and Kung Fu (1975). Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rhonda Fleming (August 10, 1923 - October 14, 2020) R.I.P.
Sadly, one of cinema’s most lovely and lively thespians of stage, motion pictures and television has succumbed to cancer at the age of only 82, British born actress Diana Rigg.
She was perhaps most widely known for her portrayal of Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers (1965 - 1968) and Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones (2013 - 2017) but I will most cherish her role as Countess Teresa di Vicenzo, who becomes the wife of James Bond, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). Her character’s impassioned relationship with the famous oxymoronic “secret” agent, introduced a welcome type of emotional sincerity to the franchise missing in previous instalments. And Dame Diana, with a shrewd mix of confidence and vulnerability, brought her to life in such divine fashion.
Instead of the usual write-up of her other acting accomplishments, perhaps it is more fitting to post instead, the beautiful and heart-wrenching response of actor George Lazenby upon hearing the news of her untimely death:
“I'm so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty's Secret Service together in 1968-9. I remember the press conference at the Dorchester in London, knowing she was going to play my wife. We had fun together on the set of the movie in Switzerland and Portugal. Her depth of experience really helped me. We were good friends on set. Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the Press looking for a news story. I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago. As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss. Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana's death, I weep again. My deepest condolences for her family. Love George xx”
Diana Rigg (July 20, 1938 - September 10, 2020) R.I.P. “We have all the time in the world”