Latest news with #Xena:WarriorPrincess
Perth Now
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Beloved NZ star of Xenaverse dies on birthday
Beloved New Zealand actress Marise Wipani has died on her 61st birthday. She is treasured for her roles in the television universe that encompasses Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She was also a popular presenter on NZ television, and worked on movies including the 1985 adventure comedy, Came a Hot Friday. 'Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends,' a statement shared on her Facebook page said. It said Wipani 'just wanted to say' her final goodbye with a nod to Driving Miss Daisy. 'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' she said. Tributes began to flow online for the 'eternal Queen Kanae from Xena: Warrior Princess.' 'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' one fan said on X. New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Wipani on the 1991 drama series Soldier Soldier, was shocked to hear of Wipani's passing. 'I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn't some kind of sick joke. Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' he wrote underneath the statement shared on her Facebook. '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.' Another man, who described Wipani as 'the one that got away', also paid tribute to the star. 'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
7NEWS
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Beloved NZ actress Marise Wipani, known for Xenaverse roles, dies on her 61st birthday
Beloved New Zealand actress Marise Wipani has died on her 61st birthday. She is treasured for her roles in the television universe that encompasses Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She was also a popular presenter on NZ television, and worked on movies including the 1985 adventure comedy, Came a Hot Friday. 'Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends,' a statement shared on her Facebook page said. It said Wipani 'just wanted to say' her final goodbye with a nod to Driving Miss Daisy. 'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' she said. Tributes began to flow online for the 'eternal Queen Kanae from Xena: Warrior Princess.' 'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' one fan said on X. New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Wipani on the 1991 drama series Soldier Soldier, was shocked to hear of Wipani's passing. 'I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn't some kind of sick joke. Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' he wrote underneath the statement shared on her Facebook. '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.' Another man, who described Wipani as 'the one that got away', also paid tribute to the star. 'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Where Soldier, Soldier cast are now - booze battles, affairs and tragic death
Soldier, Soldier was a huge TV hit in the 90s and made stars of Robson Green and Jerome Flynn who went on to have a number one hit and huge success in Hollywood Soldier, Soldier star Marise Wipani has tragically died aged 61. The actress, who also appeared in Xena: Warrior Princess, died on her birthday on Friday. Her Facebook page announced the news of her death in a sad message to friends and family. It read: "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." Her cause of death was not shared in the post. ITV's Soldier, Soldier was a massive telly hit in the 90s, captivating viewers with its fictional insight into the ups and downs of the British Army. Set within the made-up 1st Battalion The King's Fusiliers regiment, it delved into the professional and personal dramas of the show's ensemble. The standout stars were Robson and Jerome, who enjoyed a brief but significant music career, sparked by an episode where they performed Unchained Melody. With Simon Cowell's support, their rendition topped the charts for seven weeks and became 1995's best-selling single. They both exited the show in the fifth series, but it continued for another two seasons before wrapping up in December 1997. It ran for seven series and captured the nation's attention. Since the show ended, the stars have had varied fates. Here's a look at what the cast have been up to... Robson Green - Fusilier Dave Tucker Robson was already familiar to viewers for his role as Jimmy Powell on BBC One's Casualty when he scored the part of Fusilier Dave Tucker, reports the Express. This role propelled him to mega-stardom and chart-topping success. He and co-star Jerome Flynn had a short but massive music career which saw them become the first act to have their initial three singles enter the charts at number one. Since leaving the show, angling fanatic Robson has presented numerous fishing shows. He has also appeared in BBC Three's supernatural drama Being Human, as well as BBC One's Waterloo Road. His current role sees him playing DI George Keating in ITV's hugely popular '50s set detective drama Grantchester. Off screen, Green's personal life has been quite eventful; he wed Alison Ogilvie in 1991, but their marriage ended by 1999 amid reports of Green's affair with Pamela McDonald, who was then the wife of Emmerdale 's Ian Sharrock, known for his role as Jackie Merrick on the soap. He met his second wife, former Page 3 model Vanya Seager, during a recording session at BMG Records in 1995. They went on to have a son, Taylor Seager-Green and tied the knot in 2001. However, a decade later they issued a statement saying their marriage had "irretrievably broken down" and that they were separating. Jerome Flynn - Lance Corporal Paddy Garvey After getting his breakthrough in London's Burning Jerome found huge fame with Soldier, Soldier and in his music career with co-star Robson Green In more recent times Jerome resurrected his acting career, impressing audiences globally with his role in Game of Thrones and gracing ITV's Ripper Street. His career took another thrilling turn in 2019 when he shared the big screen with Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry in the action thriller John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. Off-screen, the star has never married nor had children, but he's created a new-age holiday retreat named Trefacwn in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, which its website claims radiates "an ancient healing energy palpable to all who visit". Denise Welch - Marsha Stubbs Denise became a household name as Marsha Stubbs on the show back in 1993 and continued to grace the screens for two years until 1995, by then already recognised from her stints in Byker Grove and Spender. Post Soldier, Soldier, she starred in Coronation Street as Natalie Barnes, causing a stir across the nation when she became embroiled in the breakdown of Kevin and Sally Webster's marriage. Since then, Denise's career has thrived with roles in hit series like Holby City, Down To Earth, Waterloo Road, and Hollyoaks. She is also no stranger to reality TV and has appeared on Dancing On Ice and she won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012. A familiar face now on Loose Women, Denise openly shares her struggles with alcoholism on the show and is well appreciated for her candour. Behind the scenes, Denise is a mother to two sons with her former spouse Tim Healy, one being Matty, the frontman of The 1975, and she's currently married to artist Lincoln Townley. Annabelle Apsion - Joy Wilton Annabelle might not have been a well-known figure to audiences during her time on Soldier, Soldier with only a few minor roles under her belt, but today she stands as one of televisions most recognisable figures, noted for a myriad of iconic roles since departing the series in 1995. A year on from her exit, she portrayed Jenni Hicks, a mother who tragically lost her two daughters in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in the docudrama Hillsborough. She also shared the silver screen with Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp in From Hell, where she played Polly Nichols, Jack the Ripper's first known victim. In 2002, she made a brief yet unforgettable appearance on Coronation Street as Patricia Hillman, the ex-wife of serial killer Richard Hillman, who met a gruesome end at his hands. Despite her impressive acting portfolio, until recently she was most recognised for her role as Monica Gallagher in Channel 4's Shameless. However, these days she is best known for her portrayal of Mayor Violet Buckle in BBC One's Call The Midwife. Paterson Joseph - Fusilier Eddie "Horatio" Nelson Paterson Joseph was just beginning to make a name for himself when he featured in one episode of Soldier, Soldier in series four in 1994. That same year, he appeared in an episode of BBC's Casualty before becoming a regular on the show three years later. Over his 45-year career, he has become one of the most recognisable faces in British drama, playing roles such as Reuben in William and Mary, alongside Martin Clunes, the Marquis de Carabas in Neverwhere, Alan Johnson in Peep Show, Lyndon Jones in Green Wing; and Shorty in the first episode of Jericho. Like many other esteemed British actors, he has appeared in Doctor Who in the 2005 two-part episodes Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways. He played Rodrick, a contestant on a futuristic version of The Weakest Link game show. Most recently, he dazzled audiences in cinemas as Arthur Slugworth in Wonka. Away from the spotlight, he shares his life with wife Emmanuelle Joseph and their child. He also holds the esteemed position of Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University. Holly Aird - Corporal (later Sergeant) Nancy Thorpe Holly, a veteran actress since childhood, boasted an impressive resume by the time she joined Soldier, Soldier. Post-departure, she captivated viewers as Carla in Dressing For Breakfast and became widely recognised for her role as forensic pathologist Frankie Wharton in BBC1's Waking the Dead. Her recent credits include roles in A Discovery Of Witches and Four Lives, and last year she shone in the Idris Elba-led Apple TV production Hijack. In her personal life, Holly was married to Rome actor James Purefoy from 1996 until 2002 and is currently wed to Toby Merritt since 2004. Samantha Morton - Clare Anderson Samantha Morton first graced our screens in Soldier, Soldier, making an immediate impact despite appearing in just four episodes. A mere four years later, she captured the nation's attention in ITV's Band Of Gold. Since then, she has graced the silver screen in Hollywood blockbusters like Minority Report with Tom Cruise, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age alongside Cate Blanchett. Expanding her talents, she has also ventured into producing and directing throughout her thirty-year career. Her outstanding contributions were honoured at this year's BAFTAs with the prestigious fellowship, where she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech: "representation matters". Away from the spotlight, she's a mother to three children, including actress Esmé Creed-Miles.
Metro
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Soldier Soldier star Marise Wipani dies on her 61st birthday
Marise Wipani, who starred in the 90s drama Soldier Soldier and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, has died. 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. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. For more stories like this, check our entertainment page. Follow Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. View More » MORE: Martin Scorsese admits one of his most iconic 90s films 'has no plot' MORE: Inside Oasis' setlist after iconic song is heard in rehearsals MORE: All the stars in the Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 cast including TV legends
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Soldier, Soldier star tragically dies at at 61 as co-stars left devastated
Marise Wipani has tragically died aged 61. The actress, best known for appearing in Soldier, Soldier and Xena: Warrior Princess, died on her birthday on Friday. Her Facebook page announced the news of her death in a sad message to friends and family. It read: "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." Her cause of death was not shared in the post. The New Zealand actress' co-star Jay Laga'aia, who appeared on British drama Soldier, Soldier with her, said that he was "devastated" to hear about her death. He 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." While Ian Mune, who directed Came a Hot Friday (which she starred in), said: "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.' Other friends and fans also shared their respects, with one writing: "Devastated to hear this. She was always such a rock star and incredibly funny. We lost a beautiful woman today." While another commented: "So sad to hear this. Love and hugs to whanau." A third sharing the post wrote: "Heart broken but you'll never be forgotten sis. After all your achievements in life to go so humbly I will miss you and cherish your memory thank you for our final conversation lastnight, for giving me some of your precious final moments. Much love Marise til we meet again ,no more pain Moe moe ra xoxox." Marise first began her career in the early 80s when she was spotted by the Miss New Zealand pageant producer, who had encouraged her to compete. She went on to be cast as a variety of characters on the Billy T. James Show and in 1985, won the role as Esmerelda in Ian Mune's Came a Hot Friday. In the late 80s and early 90s, she became the host of the televised draw for Lotto New Zealand.
