Soldier, Soldier star tragically dies at at 61 as co-stars left devastated
Marise Wipani has tragically died aged 61.
The actress, best known for appearing in Soldier, Soldier and Xena: Warrior Princess, died on her birthday on Friday.
Her Facebook page announced the news of her death in a sad message to friends and family. It read: "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."
Her cause of death was not shared in the post.
The New Zealand actress' co-star Jay Laga'aia, who appeared on British drama Soldier, Soldier with her, said that he was "devastated" to hear about her death. He said: "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."
While Ian Mune, who directed Came a Hot Friday (which she starred in), said: "Your presence and performance added a whole layer to that movie arising from your truth and honesty. It was what always struck me whenever we met. Fly high, Princess.'
Other friends and fans also shared their respects, with one writing: "Devastated to hear this. She was always such a rock star and incredibly funny. We lost a beautiful woman today." While another commented: "So sad to hear this. Love and hugs to whanau."
A third sharing the post wrote: "Heart broken but you'll never be forgotten sis. After all your achievements in life to go so humbly I will miss you and cherish your memory thank you for our final conversation lastnight, for giving me some of your precious final moments. Much love Marise til we meet again ,no more pain Moe moe ra xoxox."
Marise first began her career in the early 80s when she was spotted by the Miss New Zealand pageant producer, who had encouraged her to compete. She went on to be cast as a variety of characters on the Billy T. James Show and in 1985, won the role as Esmerelda in Ian Mune's Came a Hot Friday.
In the late 80s and early 90s, she became the host of the televised draw for Lotto New Zealand.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Hundreds of Kate Bush fans gather Scots city park to recreate Wuthering Heights dance
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUNDREDS of Kate Bush fans flocked to a park in a Scottish city to recreate the star's Wuthering Heights music video. Fans of the music legend gathered at the Meadows Festival yesterday to celebrate the 1978 song. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Hundreds of people took part in the annual The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever this weekend Credit: Dave Johnston 3 The event pays tribute to Kate Bush, who wrote the song in 1978 Credit: PA:Press Association 3 Fans recreate the dance from the music video to the iconic song Every year, events are held around the world to honour the song, which is based on Emily Brontë's novel of the same name. The first event was held twelve years ago in Brighton when British performance group Shambush came up with the idea in 2013. And this year, people came together to recreate the dance in the song's iconic video in Scotland's capital city. Music fans of all ages dressed in gorgeous, bright red dresses similar to the one that Kate wore in the original video. And many beamed as they were taught the same dance moves while music played in the background. Many women wore long red dresses with black belts, and little girls wore matching outfits and red jumpers with red hairpieces. Some men were even spotted wearing red dresses as well as they got in on the action. The event started at 4pm, giving performers time to get checked in, fix their outfits and collect merchandise before a welcome at 4.30pm. A warm-up then started at 4.35pm before the dance was taught ten minutes later. After a quick water break, the dance started at 5.10pm and attendees performed it twice before posing for a group photo. Strictly legends return to the stage for new tour after huge endorsement from show judge A website was set up ahead of the event, sharing all the details for those who wished to attend. It read: "Welcome to The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever – Edinburgh 2025! "Get ready to dress up in your best red dress and join us for a fun-filled afternoon of dancing and celebrating the iconic music video by Kate Bush. "The event will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 4.30pm as part of the programme at the Meadows Festival. INSTANTLY CAPITVATED KATE Bush wrote her chart-topping song Wuthering Heights whe she was just 18 years old. The hit song was her debut single and became an unexpected number one hit almost 50 years ago back in 1978. It was actually the first song that was written and performed by a female artist to reach the UK top spot. Despite the song being named after Emily Brontë's novel, it wasn't the book itself that inspired Kate, now 66, to write the song. In an interview in 1978, she told the BBC that the broadcaster's 1967 TV series of the story is what gave her the idea. Kate explained that she came across an episode of the telly adaptation and was blown away by it's startling imagery. At the time, she said: "I just managed to catch the very last few minutes where there was a hand coming through the window and blood everywhere and glass. "And I just didn't know what was going on, and someone explained the story." "Let's come together as a community and recreate the magic of the Wuthering Heights dance. "Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!" Pictures and videos of the event have been widely shared on social media, and many flocked to the comments to praise the dancers. One person said: "Wish I was there... great!" Another added: "Omg, I wish I'd been there!" Someone else wrote: "Love it! Well done". And a fourth posted: "That's pretty cool!" While a fifth chimed in: "Wow, this looks fabulous! Well done".
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Where Soldier, Soldier cast are now - booze battles, affairs and tragic death
Soldier, Soldier was a huge TV hit in the 90s and made stars of Robson Green and Jerome Flynn who went on to have a number one hit and huge success in Hollywood Soldier, Soldier star Marise Wipani has tragically died aged 61. The actress, who also appeared in Xena: Warrior Princess, died on her birthday on Friday. Her Facebook page announced the news of her death in a sad message to friends and family. It read: "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." Her cause of death was not shared in the post. ITV's Soldier, Soldier was a massive telly hit in the 90s, captivating viewers with its fictional insight into the ups and downs of the British Army. Set within the made-up 1st Battalion The King's Fusiliers regiment, it delved into the professional and personal dramas of the show's ensemble. The standout stars were Robson and Jerome, who enjoyed a brief but significant music career, sparked by an episode where they performed Unchained Melody. With Simon Cowell's support, their rendition topped the charts for seven weeks and became 1995's best-selling single. They both exited the show in the fifth series, but it continued for another two seasons before wrapping up in December 1997. It ran for seven series and captured the nation's attention. Since the show ended, the stars have had varied fates. Here's a look at what the cast have been up to... Robson Green - Fusilier Dave Tucker Robson was already familiar to viewers for his role as Jimmy Powell on BBC One's Casualty when he scored the part of Fusilier Dave Tucker, reports the Express. This role propelled him to mega-stardom and chart-topping success. He and co-star Jerome Flynn had a short but massive music career which saw them become the first act to have their initial three singles enter the charts at number one. Since leaving the show, angling fanatic Robson has presented numerous fishing shows. He has also appeared in BBC Three's supernatural drama Being Human, as well as BBC One's Waterloo Road. His current role sees him playing DI George Keating in ITV's hugely popular '50s set detective drama Grantchester. Off screen, Green's personal life has been quite eventful; he wed Alison Ogilvie in 1991, but their marriage ended by 1999 amid reports of Green's affair with Pamela McDonald, who was then the wife of Emmerdale 's Ian Sharrock, known for his role as Jackie Merrick on the soap. He met his second wife, former Page 3 model Vanya Seager, during a recording session at BMG Records in 1995. They went on to have a son, Taylor Seager-Green and tied the knot in 2001. However, a decade later they issued a statement saying their marriage had "irretrievably broken down" and that they were separating. Jerome Flynn - Lance Corporal Paddy Garvey After getting his breakthrough in London's Burning Jerome found huge fame with Soldier, Soldier and in his music career with co-star Robson Green In more recent times Jerome resurrected his acting career, impressing audiences globally with his role in Game of Thrones and gracing ITV's Ripper Street. His career took another thrilling turn in 2019 when he shared the big screen with Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry in the action thriller John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. Off-screen, the star has never married nor had children, but he's created a new-age holiday retreat named Trefacwn in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, which its website claims radiates "an ancient healing energy palpable to all who visit". Denise Welch - Marsha Stubbs Denise became a household name as Marsha Stubbs on the show back in 1993 and continued to grace the screens for two years until 1995, by then already recognised from her stints in Byker Grove and Spender. Post Soldier, Soldier, she starred in Coronation Street as Natalie Barnes, causing a stir across the nation when she became embroiled in the breakdown of Kevin and Sally Webster's marriage. Since then, Denise's career has thrived with roles in hit series like Holby City, Down To Earth, Waterloo Road, and Hollyoaks. She is also no stranger to reality TV and has appeared on Dancing On Ice and she won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012. A familiar face now on Loose Women, Denise openly shares her struggles with alcoholism on the show and is well appreciated for her candour. Behind the scenes, Denise is a mother to two sons with her former spouse Tim Healy, one being Matty, the frontman of The 1975, and she's currently married to artist Lincoln Townley. Annabelle Apsion - Joy Wilton Annabelle might not have been a well-known figure to audiences during her time on Soldier, Soldier with only a few minor roles under her belt, but today she stands as one of televisions most recognisable figures, noted for a myriad of iconic roles since departing the series in 1995. A year on from her exit, she portrayed Jenni Hicks, a mother who tragically lost her two daughters in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in the docudrama Hillsborough. She also shared the silver screen with Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp in From Hell, where she played Polly Nichols, Jack the Ripper's first known victim. In 2002, she made a brief yet unforgettable appearance on Coronation Street as Patricia Hillman, the ex-wife of serial killer Richard Hillman, who met a gruesome end at his hands. Despite her impressive acting portfolio, until recently she was most recognised for her role as Monica Gallagher in Channel 4's Shameless. However, these days she is best known for her portrayal of Mayor Violet Buckle in BBC One's Call The Midwife. Paterson Joseph - Fusilier Eddie "Horatio" Nelson Paterson Joseph was just beginning to make a name for himself when he featured in one episode of Soldier, Soldier in series four in 1994. That same year, he appeared in an episode of BBC's Casualty before becoming a regular on the show three years later. Over his 45-year career, he has become one of the most recognisable faces in British drama, playing roles such as Reuben in William and Mary, alongside Martin Clunes, the Marquis de Carabas in Neverwhere, Alan Johnson in Peep Show, Lyndon Jones in Green Wing; and Shorty in the first episode of Jericho. Like many other esteemed British actors, he has appeared in Doctor Who in the 2005 two-part episodes Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways. He played Rodrick, a contestant on a futuristic version of The Weakest Link game show. Most recently, he dazzled audiences in cinemas as Arthur Slugworth in Wonka. Away from the spotlight, he shares his life with wife Emmanuelle Joseph and their child. He also holds the esteemed position of Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University. Holly Aird - Corporal (later Sergeant) Nancy Thorpe Holly, a veteran actress since childhood, boasted an impressive resume by the time she joined Soldier, Soldier. Post-departure, she captivated viewers as Carla in Dressing For Breakfast and became widely recognised for her role as forensic pathologist Frankie Wharton in BBC1's Waking the Dead. Her recent credits include roles in A Discovery Of Witches and Four Lives, and last year she shone in the Idris Elba-led Apple TV production Hijack. In her personal life, Holly was married to Rome actor James Purefoy from 1996 until 2002 and is currently wed to Toby Merritt since 2004. Samantha Morton - Clare Anderson Samantha Morton first graced our screens in Soldier, Soldier, making an immediate impact despite appearing in just four episodes. A mere four years later, she captured the nation's attention in ITV's Band Of Gold. Since then, she has graced the silver screen in Hollywood blockbusters like Minority Report with Tom Cruise, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age alongside Cate Blanchett. Expanding her talents, she has also ventured into producing and directing throughout her thirty-year career. Her outstanding contributions were honoured at this year's BAFTAs with the prestigious fellowship, where she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech: "representation matters". Away from the spotlight, she's a mother to three children, including actress Esmé Creed-Miles.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sir David Attenborough's staggering earnings for last year revealed as 99 year old rakes in MILLIONS
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR David Attenborough is undoubtedly a national treasure – and he's earning millions to prove it. The 99-year-old nature-loving TV presenter and documentarian's income has been revealed after a staggering financial year and ahead of his latest show. 5 Sir David Attenborough has earned £4million in the past year Credit: PA 5 The star owns a 54% stake in his company, with his children also being shareholders Credit: PA Sir David's production company is revealed to have earned several million in the last year alone. According to Daily Star, accounts filed this week reveal he earned £4million, with a cash reserve on the business of £1.2million. He owns 54% of the David Attenborough (Productions) Limited firm, with his son Robert and daughter Susan also being shareholders. This comes after a string of lucrative deals as the face of British nature documentaries, with last year seeing Sky Nature releasing Secret World of Sound with David Attenborough, and the BBC releasing Mammals. This is not including his staggeringly impressive back catalogue of documentary series, including Dynasties, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Seven Worlds One Planet. He has also released accompanying books on his shows, and supports multiple wildlife charities. His career dates back to 1953, with the star releasing dozens of projects every decade since, often resulting in public debate being sparked of the human effect on the animal world. Ocean With David Attenborough, which explores the depths of the sea and the creatures that inhabit it, was released last month on National Geographic and Disney+. The film delves into the wonderful world that lives beneath the water, including habitats that animals need to look after. In an age of ocean discovery, Attenborough aims to emphasise the ocean's vital importance, while also exposing the problems it faces. Sir David Attenborough steps back from narrating Planet Earth in show first as BBC announce major shake-up This includes graphic footage of how fishing practice bottom trawling is damaging the seabed and causing long-term damage to the ocean. The 90-minute movie aims to highlight opportunities for marine life recovery. He said of the film's release: "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea." 5 The star has become the international face of wildlife documentaries Credit: PA 5 At 99 years old, the star continues to release multiple projects a year Credit: Getty
