Latest news with #Wipani
Perth Now
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Beloved NZ star of Xenaverse dies on birthday
Beloved New Zealand actress Marise Wipani has died on her 61st birthday. She is treasured for her roles in the television universe that encompasses Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She was also a popular presenter on NZ television, and worked on movies including the 1985 adventure comedy, Came a Hot Friday. 'Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends,' a statement shared on her Facebook page said. It said Wipani 'just wanted to say' her final goodbye with a nod to Driving Miss Daisy. 'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' she said. Tributes began to flow online for the 'eternal Queen Kanae from Xena: Warrior Princess.' 'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' one fan said on X. New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Wipani on the 1991 drama series Soldier Soldier, was shocked to hear of Wipani's passing. 'I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn't some kind of sick joke. Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' he wrote underneath the statement shared on her Facebook. '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.' Another man, who described Wipani as 'the one that got away', also paid tribute to the star. 'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
7NEWS
a day ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Beloved NZ actress Marise Wipani, known for Xenaverse roles, dies on her 61st birthday
Beloved New Zealand actress Marise Wipani has died on her 61st birthday. She is treasured for her roles in the television universe that encompasses Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She was also a popular presenter on NZ television, and worked on movies including the 1985 adventure comedy, Came a Hot Friday. 'Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends,' a statement shared on her Facebook page said. It said Wipani 'just wanted to say' her final goodbye with a nod to Driving Miss Daisy. 'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' she said. Tributes began to flow online for the 'eternal Queen Kanae from Xena: Warrior Princess.' 'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' one fan said on X. New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Wipani on the 1991 drama series Soldier Soldier, was shocked to hear of Wipani's passing. 'I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn't some kind of sick joke. Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' he wrote underneath the statement shared on her Facebook. '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.' Another man, who described Wipani as 'the one that got away', also paid tribute to the star. 'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Soldier Soldier star dies aged 61 as devastated colleagues pay tribute to ‘truest actor & good friend'
SOLDIER Soldier star Marise Wipani has died suddenly aged 61. The actress - who also appeared in Xena: Warrior Princess and Shortland Street, and was a former Miss New Zealand - passed away on her birthday on Friday (June 6). Advertisement A post on her Facebook page said: "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. Wipani played Ellie in season three of ITV drama Soldier, Soldier, which broadcast in 1993. Advertisement At its peak, the show saw an average viewership of 16.1 million, which coincided with Wipani's time in the cast. The programme - created by Lucy Gannon - followed the daily lives of a group of soldiers in 'A' Company, 1st Battalion The King's Fusiliers, and also featured Robson Green and Jerome Flynn, running from 1991 to 1997. Co-star Jay Laga'aia, who played Sgt. Bob Gilligan, was among those to pay tribute to Wipani, 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." Advertisement Most read in News TV 1 Marise Wipani played Ellie on ITV drama Soldier, Soldier
