Rachael Carpani, Former Home and Away and McLeod’s Daughters Star, Dies at 45 After Battle with Chronic Illness

The Australian entertainment community is in mourning following the announcement that beloved actress Rachael Carpani has passed away at the age of 45. Known for her iconic roles in McLeod’s Daughters and more recently in the long-running soap Home and Away, Carpani died peacefully on December 7, 2025, after what her family described as a long and courageous battle with chronic illness.

A Heartbreaking Announcement

The news was confirmed by Carpani’s parents, Tony and Gael, in a statement released through her sister, Georgia. The statement expressed deep sorrow, noting that Rachael had passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” in the early hours of the morning. While the specific nature of the illness was not detailed in the final statement, Carpani had been remarkably open with her fans over the years about her struggle with endometriosis and adenomyosis—conditions she had fought since her early teens.

In 2021, she shared a poignant message on Instagram, describing how she had “white-knuckled” through chronic pain for over two decades. “I would make it to birthday parties, weddings, and special events like it was climbing Mt Everest, smile plastered on my face—while my poor body was in so much pain it just wanted to crumple,” she wrote at the time.

A Career Defined by Talent and Resilience

Rachael Carpani first became a household name in the early 2000s when she landed the role of Jodi Fountain on the hit rural drama McLeod’s Daughters. Her performance resonated deeply with audiences, earning her two Logie Award nominations in 2007, including the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and the prestigious Gold Logie.

After nearly 180 episodes of McLeod’s Daughters, Carpani moved to the United States to expand her horizons, landing roles in NCIS: Los Angeles, Against the Wall, and the 2020 film The Way Back alongside Ben Affleck.

In 2024, she made a highly anticipated return to Australian television with a recurring role on Home and Away. She portrayed the mysterious newcomer Claudia Salini, a character that allowed her to showcase the seasoned talent she had honed throughout her career. Speaking about her time in Summer Bay, she told The Morning Show it was “one of the most enjoyable times I’ve ever had on a set.”

Tributes Pour In

Since the news broke, tributes have flooded social media from co-stars and fans alike. Bridie Carter, who played Tess on McLeod’s Daughters, shared a moving tribute: “This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you. May your blessed spirit, so vivid and full of life, rest in peace.”

Matt Passmore, her former partner and co-star, also shared his grief, stating that “the greatest gift was knowing you.”

Rachael Carpani is remembered not only for her immense talent and on-screen charisma but also for her advocacy for women’s health and her willingness to speak out on social issues. Her passing leaves a significant void in the Australian arts landscape, but her legacy lives on through the many iconic characters she brought to life. A private funeral was held on December 19, 2025.