Diana Rigg and 'Bond' Star George Lazenby's Feud — What Is the True Story?

After starring together in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," Dame Diana Rigg and George Lazenby were hounded by rumors of their alleged feud. Here's the truth behind the stars' alleged falling-out.

The late Dame Diana Rigg played Countess Teresa di Vicenzo opposite George Lazenby's spy in the hit 1969 James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Rigg and Lazenby's characters ended up tying the knot.

Since the film came out, there have been reports of tensions between the acclaimed actors on set. That includes a rumor that Rigg ate heaps of garlic before her love scenes with Lazenby to throw him off.

This story was blown out of proportion, according to Lazenby. "That was another press thing that blew up in Pinewood," the actor told 007 Magazine in 1981 during an interview.

Lazenby added that they were having lunch just before the love scene and that there were members of the press around at the time because they were invited to witness the scene.

In her open letter to Daily Sketch in 1970, Rigg condemned the stories Lazenby allegedly told about her.

The actor proceeded to clarify that during the incident in question, Rigg, who was eating around four of five tables away, shouted to him that she was having garlic that day.

Lazenby pointed out that Rigg was only joking and that he did not remember smelling garlic on her during their love scene. During the interview, the actor even described Rigg as a "bright lady."

But the actor may have been the one who had originally fuelled the rumor. In her open letter to Daily Sketch in 1970, Rigg condemned the stories Lazenby allegedly told about her.

Setting the record straight, the actress insisted in the letter that she did not eat garlic on purpose, adding that there was no reason for her to do so.

Rigg, who also had a successful career in theater, called the actor out for his alleged lies. She also accused him of sulking and storming off the set of the film.

But it seemed they have long buried the hatchet, judging from the actor's touching tribute to the actress when she passed away on September 10, 2020.

In a statement published on social media, Lazenby applauded Rigg, saying that without a doubt, the late actress raised his acting game. He added that they were good friends during the filming of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

Rigg passed away at her London home at the age of 82. Rachael Stirling, the late actress's daughter, confirmed that the cause of her mother's death was cancer.

One of Hollywood's most respected stars, Rigg left behind a spectacular career spanning more than sixty years. She appeared in numerous television series and films.

Aside from her movie with Lazenby, her other notable projects included "The Sentimental Agent," "The Avengers," "Evil Under the Sun," "Rebecca," and "Game of Thrones."