Rachael Carpani, the Australian actress best known for her breakout role on McLeod’s Daughters, has died at the age of 45. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, revealing she passed away earlier this month after a long struggle with chronic illness.

“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 wrote on Instagram.

Though she had battled health issues for years, her death came as a shock to fans and colleagues. Tributes poured in from viewers and peers across the entertainment industry.

Carpani’s most iconic role was playing Jodi Fountain in McLeod’s Daughters, appearing in nearly 180 episodes from 2001 to 2009. Her sweet-natured character became a fan favorite and one of the show’s most beloved.

In 2024, Carpani told 7News she left Australia to pursue a career in the United States. She didn’t want to be known only as “Jodi from McLeod’s Daughters.” She aimed to carve out a new path in Hollywood.

Her ambition paid off. She appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Glades, and the 2020 Ben Affleck film The Way Back. She also returned occasionally to Australian TV, most recently joining Home and Away in a recurring role.

In 2021, Carpani revealed she had been hospitalized with abdominal pain and required surgery for an unspecified illness. The condition remained private but required ongoing treatment.

Her family emphasized that while she had lived with chronic illness for years, her death was still unexpected. The loss has struck fans deeply, especially those who grew up watching her as Jodi.

Social media overflowed with condolences. Fans remembered Carpani as a warm, down-to-earth talent who left a lasting impression both on and off the screen. Her legacy in Australian and American television will not be forgotten.