Australian actress Rachael Carpani has died at the age of 45, her family announced on social media following a long battle with chronic illness.
Carpani’s parents, Tony and Gael Carpani, confirmed through a statement shared on Instagram that their daughter passed away in the early hours of Sunday, December 7. The actress died unexpectedly but peacefully after battling the chronic illness, according to E! News.
“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 family statement read.
The announcement was made by Carpani’s sister, Georgia Carpani, who posted the family’s statement on December 15, 2025. A private funeral has been scheduled for Friday, December 19, with close family and friends in attendance.
The family requested privacy during this difficult time and indicated they would make no further statements about the actress’s death.
Carpani achieved widespread recognition for her portrayal of Jodi Fountain in the popular Australian drama series McLeod’s Daughters, appearing in nearly 180 episodes from 2001 to 2009. Her performance in the long-running series earned her nominations for two Logie awards, cementing her status as a beloved figure in Australian television.
Born on August 24, 1980, in Sydney, Australia, Carpani built a successful career spanning both Australian and American television productions. Following her breakthrough role in McLeod’s Daughters, she expanded her career internationally with appearances in several U.S. television series.
Her American television credits included roles in NCIS: Los Angeles and the A&E network series The Glades. She also starred as the lead character in Lifetime’s drama series Against the Wall, demonstrating her versatility across different genres and networks.
More recently, Carpani returned to Australian television with a role in the long-running soap opera Home and Away, where she played the character Claudia Salini. The role marked a homecoming for the actress who had spent significant time working in Hollywood to avoid being typecast.
In film, Carpani appeared in the 2009 movie Triangle alongside Liam Hemsworth. She also secured a role in the 2020 basketball drama The Way Back, starring Ben Affleck, further showcasing her range as a performer.
Carpani had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with endometriosis, a chronic health condition that affected her throughout her career. In 2021, she underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness that required hospitalization for abdominal pain.
The actress moved to Hollywood in 2009 specifically to escape the intense recognition she received in her home country. She sought to avoid being known solely as her McLeod’s Daughters character and wanted opportunities to explore different roles without the constraints of fame.
Despite building a successful career abroad, Carpani never forgot her roots. She celebrated her 45th birthday in September 2024 with family and friends, expressing gratitude for the love and support surrounding her.
“The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,” the Instagram post concluded.
Fans and colleagues from throughout Carpani’s career have expressed their condolences following the announcement. Her work in McLeod’s Daughters particularly resonated with audiences, with many remembering her portrayal of Jodi Fountain as a defining role in Australian television during the 2000s.
The actress had maintained an active presence on social media, where she frequently discussed issues including women’s health advocacy and other causes she supported. Her openness about endometriosis helped raise awareness about the condition and its impact on women’s lives.
Carpani’s career spanned more than two decades in the entertainment industry, with appearances across multiple television genres and film projects. From her early days on Australian television to her ventures in American productions, she demonstrated consistent dedication to her craft and versatility as a performer.
The actress had worked steadily throughout 2024, with her Home and Away role representing her most recent professional engagement before her death. Her return to Australian television was seen by many as a full-circle moment for an actress who had achieved international success but maintained strong ties to her homeland.
Carpani is survived by her parents, Tony and Gael Carpani, and her sister Georgia Carpani. The family’s statement emphasized the unexpected nature of her passing despite the ongoing health challenges she had faced in recent years.
