[Kate!]

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."