Rachael Carpani: Beloved McLeod's Daughters Star Dies at 45 After Long Battle with Chronic Illness
Australian actress Rachael Carpani, best known for her iconic role as Jodi Fountain McLeod in the hit television series McLeod's Daughters, has passed away at the age of 45. The heartbreaking news was announced by her family on December 15, 2025, revealing that Carpani died peacefully but unexpectedly on December 7, 2025, following a prolonged struggle with chronic illness.
Born Rachael Anna-Maie Carpani on August 24, 1980, in Sydney, Australia, she rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the ensemble cast of McLeod's Daughters, a beloved drama about life on a rural sheep station. The series, which aired from 2001 to 2009 on the Nine Network, became a cultural phenomenon in Australia and gained international fans for its strong female characters and stories of resilience, family, and outback life. Carpani portrayed Jodi Fountain, the spirited and optimistic young woman who discovers she is the half-sister of the McLeod sisters, appearing in nearly 180 episodes across eight seasons.
Her performance earned widespread acclaim, including nominations for two Logie Awards in 2007: the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television. Fans adored Jodi's journey—from a city girl adapting to farm life to becoming a central figure in the Drovers Run family. Carpani's on-screen chemistry with co-stars like Bridie Carter (Tess McLeod) and Lisa Chappell (Claire McLeod) helped define the show's heartwarming appeal.
In a statement shared by her sister Georgia on Instagram, her parents Tony and Gael Carpani said: “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 requested privacy during this difficult time and noted that a private funeral would be held on December 19, 2025, with close family and friends.
While the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Carpani had been open about her health struggles in recent years. She spoke candidly about living with endometriosis and adenomyosis for over two decades. In a 2021 Instagram post, she revealed that she had suffered severe pain since age 13, often dismissed as “painful periods,” and managed it with heat pads, ice baths, acupuncture, and painkillers while maintaining a “big smile plastered on my face.” After years of misdiagnosis, she underwent treatment, including uterine artery embolisation, which brought significant relief. Carpani used her platform to advocate for better women's health care, criticizing delays in diagnosis and calling Australia “woefully behind” in addressing conditions like endometriosis that affect millions of women worldwide.
She also shared experiences of emergency hospitalizations, including one in 2024 for acute abdominal pain that required surgery, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body. Her bravery in discussing these “invisible” illnesses inspired many fans and highlighted the often-overlooked pain endured by those with chronic conditions.
Beyond McLeod's Daughters, Carpani pursued opportunities in the United States after leaving the show in 2007 to expand her career. She appeared in episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles (2009), had a recurring role on The Glades (2010) opposite former co-star and real-life ex-boyfriend Matt Passmore, and starred as the lead in the Lifetime series Against the Wall (2011). Other credits include the thriller Triangle (2009) with Liam Hemsworth, Lifetime TV movies If There Be Thorns and Seeds of Yesterday (2015), and a supporting role in Ben Affleck's 2020 basketball drama The Way Back. More recently, she returned to Australian screens with a recurring part as Claudia Salini on the long-running soap Home and Away in 2024—one of her final roles.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Bridie Carter, who played Tess on McLeod's Daughters, shared an emotional post: “This is the most difficult post… Rest in Peace, our beautiful girl… the ‘baby' of the MD family.” Matt Passmore wrote, “Farewell my friend. All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family.” Other co-stars, including Michala Banas and Jonny Pasvolsky, echoed sentiments of loss, remembering Carpani's talent, humor, and kindness.
Fans worldwide expressed devastation on social media, recalling how McLeod's Daughters provided comfort and inspiration during tough times. Many praised her advocacy, with comments like “She helped so many women feel seen with her openness about endometriosis.” The show's enduring popularity—still streamed and cherished nearly two decades later—underscores Carpani's lasting impact.
Carpani's death at such a young age serves as a poignant reminder of the toll chronic illnesses can take, even on those who appear strong and vibrant. Her willingness to share her 20-year battle not only humanized her but also contributed to greater awareness and dialogue about women's health issues.
In her career and personal life, Rachael Carpani embodied resilience—themes central to the characters she portrayed. She leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, heartfelt advocacy, and the affection of countless fans who grew up watching her light up the screen.
Rest in peace, Rachael Carpani. Your spirit, joy, and courage will be deeply missed.