Australian actress Rachael Carpani has died at the age of 45.
She was best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the Aussie drama series McLeod’s Daughters from 2001 to 2009. She also played the role of Claudia Salini on the hit soap Home and Away last year.
Rachael’s parents have revealed that she died “unexpectedly but peacefully” last week after a long battle with chronic illness. They announced her death in a heartbreaking statement posted on Rachael’s Instagram account.
It read: “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.”
(Image: rachcarpani/Instagram)
The family added: “The funeral will be a private event, to be held on Friday 19th December with close family and friends. The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements.”
Carpani’s McLeod’s Daughter’s co-star Bridie Carter is among those who have paid tribute to the actress. She wrote on social media: “In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family. Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….the “baby” of our [ McLeod’s Daughters] family. We love you, we cherish you.
(Image: Getty Images)
“This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you. We know Rach will not only be missed immeasurably by her family, by us, but she is loved and will be missed by you all, around the world. We love you Carpani.
She added: “We miss you Rach. May your blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, and a gentle humility, may you rest in peace.”
Fans have also penned tributes to the beloved star. One wrote: “This is devastating. one of my favourite characters in McLeods daughters x rest in peace.”
(Image: Nine)
Another commented: “Sad day for Australia today on the sad passing of a beautiful women Rachael Carpani she will be sadly missed we all fell in love with her character on McLeod’s Daughters Jodie all our hearts and love to her family.”
In 2021, Carpani was rushed to hospital with “acute abdominal pain”. She told fans of the incident: “I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU. Was then then moved to the surgical ward.
“Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain (I tend to work through pain!!) and allowing myself to get quite ill.”
She was open about her diagnosis of endometriosis. Last year, she hinted that she’d been back in hospital ahead of her return to Home and Away.
Carpani’s leading role in McLeod’s Daughters earned her two Logie nominations in 2007: The Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and the Gold Logie. She also appeared in several films, including hating Alison Ashley and The Way Back.
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