Latest news with #XenaWarriorPrincess
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The 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). 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. 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." 1
RNZ News
19-05-2025
- RNZ News
Cold case mystery of missing Russian stuntman finally resolved, thanks to his gold teeth
Police had issued an appeal to anyone who had pictures of Artour Melikov Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The remains of a Russian stuntman who went missing in New Zealand more than 20 years ago have been formally identified thanks to photos of his gold teeth. Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Police found his vehicle at Jellicoe Reserve near Bulli Point at Lake Taupō, and the car key, his throwing knives, clothing, passport and other documentation were inside. An extensive search for Melikov was unsuccessful. In January, several bones were found near a walking track at Motutere and police were called. They believed the bones were Melikov's but could not identify him or contact his next of kin , so they asked the public for any photos of him to help with identification. Melikov was a stuntman, appearing in Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and police hoped someone who worked with him may have had good photos - especially of his gold teeth. Two people contacted police with photos which helped police formally identify him, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said. "The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found. I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure." The case has been referred to the coroner. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
