Tributes pour in as MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS favourite passes away

Rachael Carpani, the Australian actor whose portrayal of Jodi Fountain in McLeod’s Daughters made her one of the most recognisable faces on local television in the 2000s, has died aged 45.

Carpani’s death was confirmed in a statement shared by her sister, Georgia, who wrote that the family was “with great sadness” announcing the passing of their “beautiful daughter” in the early hours of Sunday 7 December, following what was described as 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 requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements.”

Georgia Carpani shared the statement.

Carpani emerged on Australian television in the early 2000s, taking guest roles in All Saints, Home and Away, and the telemovie Ihaka: Blunt Instrument. Her early film appearances included the teen comedy Hating Alison Ashley, marking one of her first major screen credits.

Her career shifted decisively in 2001 when she joined McLeod’s Daughters, portraying Jodi Fountain, a role she would hold for seven seasons across 179 episodes. The outback drama became one of Australian television’s defining series of the decade, and Carpani’s performance earned her nominations for both the Silver Logie – Most Popular Actress and the Gold Logie – Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 2007.

The popularity of her character, whose storyline traced Jodi’s personal maturation and turbulent family history, made Carpani central to the show’s emotional landscape. She returned briefly for the series finale in 2009, a nod to her long association with the production.

Carpani later pursued international opportunities, relocating to the United States where she was cast in the pilot Law Dogs and secured roles in dramas including Cane, Against the Wall, NCIS: Los Angeles, Stalker, The Glades, and Touched By Romance. She also featured in two instalments of the V.C. Andrews Dollanganger Saga, appearing in If There Be Thorns and Seeds of Yesterday.

Her film work expanded across genres, with appearances in Triangle, The Way Back, The Umbrella Man, and The Very Excellent Mr Dundee.

Carpani remained a regular presence on Australian television, joining the trans-Tasman series 800 Words and returning to Home and Away for a short run in 2024, demonstrating a versatility that carried her well beyond the ingénue roles of her early career.

A private funeral will be held on Friday.