
Soldier Soldier actress dies aged 61 as heartbroken co-stars pay tribute
Soldier Solider star Marise Wipani has died aged 61.
The actress also appeared in TV shows Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules and Shortland Street.
She passed away on her birthday on Friday with a post on her Facebook page confirming the news.
'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.'
A cause of death was not revealed.
The New Zealand actress' Soldier Soldier co-star Jay Laga'aia paid tribute, saying: '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.'
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The Guardian
14 hours ago
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Share your tributes and memories of Sly Stone
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