Marise Wipani, who played Ellie in 's Soldier, Soldier and Kanae in Xena: Warrior Princess, has at the age of 61. The former Miss died on her birthday on Friday June 6 with her family around her. The news was announced on her Facebook page but no cause of death has been given. "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.

Friends and fans were shocked by the news and quick to take to the comments to pay tribute to the star. Her Soldier Soldie co-star Jay Laga'aia who played Sgt. Bob Gilligan wrote: "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."

"Devastated to hear this. She was always such a rock star and incredibly funny. We lost a beautiful woman today," another person wrote.

"Oh noo that's such sad news. Bless that beautiful smile..she made so many happy with," a second person penned.

"Awwwe, Marise, how could you?! So bright, so honest, so lovely, too young. One of our truest actors & a good friend... will miss you, Ms Wipani," a third person chimed in.

A fourth shared: "Oh ..no ! E moe wahine ..shocked and sad." Meanwhile a fifth added: "Oh so sorry to hear this. Marise was such a a talent to work with and a lovely person."

Marise got her break when she was scouted at a photography studio and invited to enter the Miss New Zealand competition. Having nabbed the titles she went on to represent her country at the Miss Universe contest in 1983. She was runner-up, but it was the beginning of a long TV and film career.

She began working in television in a supporting role on the Billy T. James Show and then in 1985, she was cast in the comedy film Came a Hot Friday.

She turned her hand to presenting in 1987, as one of the first hosts of the live televised draw for Lotto New Zealand. She stayed in that role until 1991 when she quit to pursue acting full time.

Throuhout her career she had roles in Soldier Soldier, the Hercules franchise, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Shortland Street to name just a few of her credits.