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, Friday, 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.

Facebook Tributes

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." Another tribute read: "Oh noo that's such sad news. Bless that beautiful smile..she made so many happy with."

Career Highlights

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.

Source: GB News.