Australian actress Rachael Carpani, best known to audiences for her long-running role as Jodi Fountain on hit drama McLeod’s Daughters, has died aged 45.
Her parents, Tony and Gael Carpani, confirmed her death on Monday in a statement shared by her sister, singer Georgia Carpani, on Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, in the early hours of Sunday 7th December,” the statement said.
The family said a private funeral will be held on Friday, attended by close family and friends, and asked for privacy as they grieve. They said no further statements would be made.
Carpani became a household name through her role on McLeod’s Daughters, which was filmed in South Australia and ran from 2001 to 2009. Her portrayal of Jodi Fountain earned widespread acclaim and two Logie Award nominations in 2007, including a nomination for the prestigious Gold Logie.
Beyond the iconic series, Carpani appeared in films including Hating Alison Ashley and The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, and made guest appearances in popular television shows such as All Saints and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Her final on-screen role came in 2024, when she appeared on Home and Away as Claudia Salini, marking a quiet but meaningful return to Australian television.
Carpani had previously spoken publicly about her health struggles. In 2021, she revealed she had been rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pain and underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness, later acknowledging the ongoing challenges she faced with her health.
Tributes have begun flowing for the actress, remembered not only for her talent and warmth on screen, but for the strength she showed away from the spotlight.
Images: Instagram
