Actress Marise Wipani, best known for her roles in Soldier, Soldier and Xena: Warrior Princess, has sadly passed away on her 61st birthday. The New Zealand-born performer died peacefully on Friday, surrounded by friends and family.
The news was confirmed on her official Facebook page in a heartfelt message: “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.”
No cause of death was disclosed.
Tributes have poured in from co-stars and colleagues, many of whom were left devastated by the news. Fellow Soldier, Soldier actor Jay Laga’aia wrote: “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.”
Director Ian Mune, who cast Marise in the 1985 cult film Came a Hot Friday, remembered her “truth and honesty” on and off screen, writing: “Your presence and performance added a whole layer to that movie. Fly high, Princess.”
Friends and fans echoed the sentiment online, calling her a “rock star,” “hilariously funny,” and “a beautiful woman who went so humbly.”
Marise’s career began in the early 1980s after being discovered by the producer of the Miss New Zealand pageant. She found early fame on The Billy T. James Show before landing her breakout role as Esmerelda in Came a Hot Friday.
In the late ‘80s, she became a household name as the face of Lotto New Zealand’s televised draws, earning the nickname “The Lotto Lady.” She hosted the first-ever live Lotto broadcast in 1987 and remained in the role until 1991 before refocusing on acting.
Her acting highlights include Grievous Bodily Harm, Soldier, Soldier, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and Xena: Warrior Princess (as Kanae). She also appeared in Bonjour Timothy, Channelling Baby, and her final credited TV role came in Shortland Street in 2008.
In later years, Marise transitioned into behind-the-scenes production roles and also worked at a local café, continuing to stay grounded and close to her community.
