Who was Rachael Carpani? Australian Actress Dies at 45; Family Confirms Cause of Death

Australian actress Rachael Carpani has passed away at the age of 45, with her family confirming that she died following a “chronic illness.” The news was shared by her family on Instagram on Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues.

In a statement posted on social media, family members announced “with great sadness” that the actress, best known for her role as Jodi Fountain, had died after battling a long-term illness. No further medical details were disclosed.

Carpani rose to prominence for her portrayal of Jodi Fountain in the hit Australian television series McLeod’s Daughters, a role that made her a household name. She later expanded her career internationally, appearing in several US television productions.

Her acting credits include roles in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Rachels, If There Be Thorns, The Glades, and the Lifetime drama Against the Wall, in which she played the lead role.

During her career, Carpani earned widespread recognition, winning the Most Popular Personality Gold Logie Award and receiving nominations in the Most Popular Actress category. After relocating to Los Angeles, she also took on hosting roles in US television projects, including appearances connected to NCIS: Los Angeles and Cane.

Most recently, Carpani returned to Australian television with a 12-episode appearance on Home and Away in 2024, where she portrayed “strong-willed businesswoman Claudia Salini.”

Rachael Carpani’s death marks a significant loss for the Australian television industry, with fans remembering her for both her on-screen presence and her contributions to local and international productions.