Marise Wipani, best known for her roles as Ellie in ITV’s Soldier, Soldier and Kanae in Xena: Warrior Princess, has died at 61 years of age.
The former Miss New Zealand died on her birthday, on June 6, surrounded by her loved ones.
The sad news was confirmed in a statement shared on her Facebook page, although no cause of death was disclosed.
“Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends. She just wanted to say….I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Good byyye, good luuuck, good God!!! Quote from Driving Miss Daisy,” the post read.
Friends and fans were left stunned by the news of Marise Wipani’s passing and quickly flooded the comments with heartfelt tributes to the beloved star.
Her Soldier, Soldier co-star Jay Laga’aia, who portrayed Sgt. Bob Gilligan, expressed his grief, writing: “I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn’t some kind of sick joke.
“Sister I am devastated to hear this news. You are so young and I will miss you. We have worked together over the years and I was always so pleased to have you on set. Travel well my sister, love you always.”
Others echoed his sorrow, with one person commenting: “Devastated to hear this. She was always such a rock star and incredibly funny. We lost a beautiful woman today.”
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Another tribute read: “Oh noo that’s such sad news. Bless that beautiful smile..she made so many happy with.”
A third mourner added: “Awwwe, Marise, how could you?! So bright, so honest, so lovely, too young. One of our truest actors & a good friend… will miss you, Ms Wipani.”
“Oh ..no ! E moe wahine ..shocked and sad,” wrote another, while a fifth tribute shared: “Oh so sorry to hear this. Marise was such a talent to work with and a lovely person.”
Marise’s career in the spotlight began after she was discovered at a photography studio and invited to enter the Miss New Zealand pageant.
After earning the title, she went on to represent her country at the 1983 Miss Universe competition, where she finished as runner-up. This marked the start of a long and varied career in film and television.
She made her television debut with a supporting role on The Billy T. James Show, and in 1985, appeared in the comedy film Came a Hot Friday.
In 1987, she branched out into television presenting, becoming one of the original hosts of the live Lotto New Zealand draw.
She held that role until 1991, when she left to focus on acting full time.
Throughout her decades-long career, Marise built an impressive résumé with appearances in Soldier, Soldier, the Hercules franchise, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Shortland Street, among many other notable credits.