McLeod’s Daughers star Rachael Carpani has died aged 45, her family has confirmed.
Her sister Georgia shared the news 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 post read.
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“The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements.”
The actress is best known for her role as Jodi Fountain on McLeod’s Daughters. For her performance she was nominated for two Logies in 2007; the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and the coveted Gold Logie.
She also appeared in classic Aussie projects such as Hating Alison Ashley and All Saints, leaving McLeod’s Daughters to set her sights on America.
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She was first cast in the CBS pilot Law Dogs with Janeane Garofalo, though the series did not continue through to production.
She appeared in other series such as Cane, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Glades, where she starred opposite her former real-life boyfriend, Aussie actor Matt Passmore.
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She and Passmore dated from 2006 to 2011, having starred on McLeod’s Daughters together.
Carpani was hospitalised in 2021, when she shared with her fans that she had undergone surgery after experiencing abdominal pain.
“I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU. Was then then moved to the surgical ward,” she shared, though she didn’t name the illness that caused it.
“Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain (I tend to work through pain!!) and allowing myself to get quite ill.”
It seems her health issues persisted, with a pinned post on her Instagram account shared in March 2024 making references to her illness.
In the post she talked about being back in front of the camera with “no hospital gown, no awesome surgery socks …. (have to admit I miss the comfort 🤓🤓🤓).”
More recently in August 2024, she joined the cast of Home and Away as Claudia Salini.
Her last post was dated November 28, just days before her death.
Fans left messages and tributes to the star on her social media accounts.
“Watching you act was always a highlight. You brought brightness to the world. Very sad to hear of your passing,” one fan shared.
“I’m so incredibly saddened to know that you’ve gone. Rest In Paradise,” another said.
“You will be missed by so many beautiful,” one fan stated.
“Sending your family love. Fly high angel 🕊️” another shared.
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