Soldier Soldier star Marise Wipani dies on her 61st birthday
The actress died on Friday, which was her 61st birthday, it has been confirmed.
'Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends,' a post on her Facebook page read.
'She just wanted to say….I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Good byyye, good luuuck, good God!!! Quote from Driving Miss Daisy.'
Her cause of death has not been revealed.
As well as Soldier Soldier, which ran for 82 episodes from 1991 to 1997, the TV star was known for her appearances in Shortland Street, Xena: Warrior Princess, Street Legal, and Rude Awakenings.
In addition to TV, she appeared in several movies, including Came a Hot Friday (1985), Mark II (1986), Grievous Bodily Harm (1988), Bonjour Timothy (1995), and Channelling Baby (1999). More Trending
Wipani was also a runner-up in the Miss New Zealand contest in the 80s, having been scouted at a photography studio and invited to join.
Then, in 1987, she became one of the first presenters of the live televised draw for Lotto New Zealand.
In her later years, after retreating from larger roles, she appeared in smaller-scale productions.
She also had an ordinary job in a café in the 2010s and was 'living modestly'.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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