Australian actor Rachael Carpani, best known for her roles in McLeod’s Daughters and Home and Away, has died at the age of 45. Her family announced that she passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on 7 December after a long battle with a chronic illness.
Carpani gained fame playing Jodi Fountain on the long-running series McLeod’s Daughters, earning two Logie award nominations. More recently, she joined Home and Away as Claudia Salini. Co-star Bridie Carter paid tribute, calling her the “baby of the MD family” and praising her spirit and generosity.
Despite her success, Carpani struggled with fame and once threatened to quit unless sent to “the acting equivalent of Siberia”. She moved to Hollywood, landing roles in NCIS: Los Angeles and The Glades, and later starred opposite Ben Affleck in Finding the Way Back.
Carpani was outspoken about her long battle with endometriosis, revealing she dealt with chronic pain from age 13 and was not diagnosed until her mid-30s. She criticised Australia’s medical system for falling behind in women’s health. A recent surgery had brought her pain under control.
Her family has requested privacy and said a private funeral will be held on 19 December.
