'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAfEAACAgIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRAAQGBRIyUWH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/8QAGhEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECESFh8P/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AmOO9VkbcWSOCGN9TSAtR5kGRix+ntAvLWbmm1HNIg1o2CsVtmsmvZrGMPNZ7YlJVZ//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Marise Wipani, widely known for her roles in popular American and British TV shows such as Xena: Warrior Princess and Soldier, Soldier, passed away at the age of 61 on June 6, 2025. Wipani took her last breath on the day of her 61st birthday.
The unfortunate news of her death was shared through her official Facebook page in a heartfelt post that read:
"Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends."
The announcement also included a funny message from Marise Wipani herself:
"She just wanted to say....I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Good byyye, good luuuck, good God! ! ! Quote from Driving Miss Daisy."
According to The Mirror, the cause of her death remains unknown as of yet. Marise Wipani was a Miss New Zealand runner-up, was catapulted to fame in the '80s. Her participation in the Miss New Zealand pageant provided her opportunities to be a part of the entertainment world. In 1985, Wipani landed a role on the Billy T. James Show. Following that, she managed to secure a role in Ian Mune's adventure comedy film Came a Hot Friday as Esmerelda.
Marise Wipani cemented her position as a well-established actress after starring in Mark Joffe's 1988 mystery-thriller film Grievous Bodily Harm as Suzie. By the early 1990s, she became a popular actress and also became the host of Lotto New Zealand. In 1993, Wipani appeared in the popular British drama TV show Soldier, Soldier.
Co-actors and friends pay their last tribute to Marise Wipani
As the news of Marise Wipani's death came as a shock to most people, her co-stars and other colleagues paid their last tribute to the actress. According to The Mirror, Jay Laga'aia, her co-actor from Soldier, Soldier, 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, Jay Laga'aia."
As per The Mirror, filmmaker Ian Mune, with whom Marise worked on Came a Hot Friday, also stated:
"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."
Trending
She also landed a role in Mark II and Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur. Through her portrayal of Maiden in Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur, she also went on to star in the series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
According to The New Zealand Herald, after her last role in Shortland Street (2008) and while partaking in other minor productions in 2010, she started working at a cafe.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
