Every Actor Who Has Played Princess Diana, Ranked
Princess Diana, the beloved "People’s Princess," has been the subject of numerous films, television shows, and stage productions since her tragic death in 1997. Over the years, several actresses have portrayed her on screen, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the role. But which one has done it best? In this article, we’ll rank every actor who has played Princess Diana, from worst to best.
10. Emma Rigby in "Diana" (2013)
Emma Rigby’s portrayal of Princess Diana in this straight-to-TV movie is, unfortunately, one of the worst. Her performance is stiff and lacks the charm and charisma that Diana was known for. The film itself is also a mess, with a convoluted plot and poor production values.
9. Naomi Watts in "Diana" (2013)
Naomi Watts’ performance in this biopic is better than Rigby’s, but still falls short. Her Diana is more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out person, and the film’s focus on her romance with a Pakistani heart surgeon feels like a shallow attempt to make her more relatable.
8. Kate Beckinsale in "The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond" (2008)
Kate Beckinsale’s performance in this period drama is more of a cameo appearance than a full-fledged portrayal of Princess Diana. Her character is a fictionalized version of Diana, and the film’s focus on the aristocracy and social class makes it feel like a period piece rather than a biopic.
7. Gemma Jones in "The Queen" (2006)
Gemma Jones plays Queen Elizabeth II in this film, but she also appears as Princess Diana in a brief flashback scene. While her performance is solid, it’s more of a supporting role than a central one, and her Diana feels somewhat one-dimensional.
6. Claire Foy in "The Crown" (2016-2017)
Claire Foy’s performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s "The Crown" is widely praised, but her portrayal of Princess Diana is more of a supporting role. While she captures some of Diana’s mannerisms and charm, her character feels somewhat overshadowed by the Queen’s.
5. Elizabeth Debicki in "The Crown" (2019-2022)
Elizabeth Debicki takes over the role of Princess Diana in the later seasons of "The Crown," and her performance is a significant improvement over Foy’s. She captures Diana’s vulnerability and sensitivity, and her chemistry with Josh O’Connor’s Prince Charles is palpable.
4. Kristen Stewart in "Spencer" (2021)
Kristen Stewart’s performance as Princess Diana in "Spencer" is a bold and daring one. She captures Diana’s fragility and emotional depth, and her portrayal of the princess’s struggles with her royal duties and personal life is hauntingly accurate.
3. Juliet Stevenson in "William & Catherine: A Royal Romance" (2011)
Juliet Stevenson’s performance as Princess Diana in this TV movie is a standout. She brings a warmth and kindness to the role, and her portrayal of Diana’s relationship with her sons is particularly moving.
2. Emma Corrin in "The Crown" (2020)
Emma Corrin’s performance as Princess Diana in the fourth season of "The Crown" is a revelation. She captures Diana’s innocence and naivety, as well as her growing confidence and sense of self. Her chemistry with Josh O’Connor’s Prince Charles is electric, and her portrayal of Diana’s struggles with the royal family is heartbreaking.
1. Diana Rigg in "Girls on Film" (1987)
Diana Rigg’s performance as Princess Diana in this British TV movie is, in our opinion, the best. She brings a sense of authority and gravitas to the role, and her portrayal of Diana’s struggles with her royal duties and personal life is nuanced and compassionate. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint, and it’s a shame that this film is so hard to find.
There you have it – every actor who has played Princess Diana, ranked from worst to best. While some performances are more memorable than others, each one brings its own unique perspective to the role.