Rachael Stirling Explains Diana Rigg Ashes Tribute in Memoir

Actor and author Rachael Stirling has addressed public reactions to her memoir All About My Mother, which explores her relationship with her late mother Diana Rigg and the personal grief ritual that followed Rigg’s death.

Stirling wrote that she was surprised by headlines portraying her as someone who regularly consumed her mother’s ashes, explaining that her book described only a small personal act involving a few grains before opening nights.

Diana Rigg, Stirling’s mother, was known for a six-decade acting career including Emma Peel in The Avengers and the Queen of Thorns in Game of Thrones. Rigg won an Emmy and a Tony and was recognized for stage and screen performances.

Stirling said she wrote All About My Mother to preserve memories of their relationship rather than create a conventional biography. She described their bond as complicated but ultimately shaped by enduring affection.

"I didn’t expect to be portrayed as a cannibal," said Rachael Stirling, actor and author.

Stirling explained that she followed her mother into acting despite earlier disagreements about her career choice. She wrote that their relationship moved through conflict before returning to a strong connection.

"I’ve known a great number of clever men. I’ve outlived them all. You know how? I ignored them," said Diana Rigg, actor.

The quote was among examples of Rigg’s humor and outspoken personality that Stirling highlighted while describing her mother’s legacy. Stirling also recalled arranging the scattering of Rigg’s ashes in several locations important to her family.

"I told you I was ill," was written on one of the unusual designs Stirling considered while choosing containers for ashes, as she described the limited options available for memorial items.

Stirling is also scheduled to discuss her book at an event in Tisbury organized by Fox & King. According to blackmorevale.net, the November 24 event at Messums West will include a conversation with Chloe Fox, an audience Q&A, and a book signing.

"With humour, candour and affection, the book explores the woman behind the celebrated actress and the bond between mother and daughter," said a spokesperson for the event.

The event organizers said Stirling, whose acting credits include Detectorists, Tipping the Velvet and Rivals, would discuss the memoir and her experiences on stage, screen, and in print.

"Rachael, whose own acting credits include Detectorists, Tipping the Velvet and Rivals, will discuss the book with Chloe, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing," said a spokesperson for the event.