Australian actress Rachael Carpani captured hearts worldwide with her iconic role as Jodi Fountain in the beloved drama McLeod’s Daughters. She died unexpectedly but peacefully on December 7, 2025, at age 45. Her family announced the sad news on December 15, revealing she fought a long battle with chronic illness.
Carpani’s parents, Tony and Gael, shared a heartfelt statement via her sister Georgia on Instagram. They described the loss as profound and requested privacy during this difficult time. A private funeral took place on December 19 with close family and friends.
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Rachael Carpani’s Memorable Career
Born on August 24, 1980, in Sydney, Rachael Carpani rose to fame playing the spirited Jodi Fountain on McLeod’s Daughters from 2001 to 2009. She appeared in nearly 180 episodes. Her performance earned two Logie Award nominations in 2007: Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality.
Fans adored Jodi’s journey—from farm hand to revealed daughter of Jack McLeod. Carpani left the show in 2007 to pursue opportunities in the US but returned for the series finale.
She starred in films like Hating Alison Ashley (2005) alongside Delta Goodrem and the psychological thriller Triangle (2009). US credits include Cane, Against the Wall (lead role), NCIS: Los Angeles, and Lifetime’s If There Be Thorns and Seeds of Yesterday.
In 2024, Carpani joined Home and Away as recurring character Claudia Salini. She also appeared in All Saints, 800 Words, and The Glades.
Tributes Pour In for Rachael Carpani
Co-stars and fans mourn her loss deeply. Bridie Carter, who played Tess on McLeod’s Daughters, called her “our beautiful Rach” and the “baby of our family.” She expressed profound sympathy for the Carpani family.
Tributes flooded social media. Many revisited classic McLeod’s Daughters episodes. Fans praised Carpani’s warmth, talent, and resilience.
Carpani spoke publicly about health challenges in 2021. She underwent surgery for severe abdominal pain and urged others to prioritize self-care.
Personal Life and Legacy
Carpani kept her private life low-key. She dated actor Matt Passmore from 2006 to 2011. No public information exists about a husband or children.
Her legacy endures through McLeod’s Daughters, a cultural touchstone for Australian TV. It inspired generations with stories of strong women on the land.
Sources: Deadline, People.com, The Economic Times, 7NEWS, Daily Mail, Wikipedia, IMDb.
Rest in peace, Rachael Carpani. Her performances continue to touch fans around the world.
