Rachael Carpani

Rachael Anna-Marie Carpani, an Australian actress best known for her breakthrough role in "McLeod's Daughters" and later work in international television, died December 7, 2025, at the age of 45. She died unexpectedly but peacefully after a long battle with a chronic illness, her family said.

Born August 24, 1980, in Sydney, Carpani landed her first professional roles in her early twenties and achieved widespread recognition for her portrayal of Jodi Fountain in the long-running Australian television drama "McLeod's Daughters" (2001–2009). The role earned her two Logie Award nominations in 2007, for Most Popular Actress and the prestigious Gold Logie.

Following her success in Australia, she pursued work in the United States, appearing in series including "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "The Glades," as well as starring in the single-season Lifetime drama "Against the Wall." Carpani also appeared in the 2009 thriller "Triangle" and the 2020 sports drama "The Way Back." In 2024 she returned to Australian television with a recurring role as Claudia Salini on the long-running soap opera "Home and Away," one of her final screen appearances.

Colleagues and co-stars paid tribute to Carpani's talent and spirit. "McLeod's Daughters" co-star Bridie Carter described her as the "baby of the MD family" and lauded her "blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, and a gentle humility" in an Instagram tribute.

Actor Matt Passmore, who worked with Carpani on both Australian and U.S. projects and was once her partner, wrote on social media: "Farewell my friend. All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you."

Carpani openly discussed health challenges during her life, including struggles with chronic conditions that she faced with resilience. She spoke publicly about managing pain and advocating for improved understanding of women's health issues.

She is survived by her parents, Tony and Gael Carpani, her sister Georgia, and a wide circle of friends and fans around the world who admired her work and warm presence on and off screen.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images)