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Family speaks out on NCIS: Los Angeles actress Rachael Carpani’s illness after she dies 'unexpectedly' aged 45
Rachael Carpani, the Australian actress best known for her breakout role on McLeod’s Daughters, has died at the age of 45. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, revealing she passed away earlier this month following 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 wrote on Instagram.
Though she had been battling health issues for some time, her death came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike. Her passing has sparked tributes from viewers and peers across the entertainment industry.
She wanted more than to be "Jodi from McLeod’s Daughters"
Carpani’s most iconic role was playing Jodi Fountain in McLeod’s Daughters, appearing in nearly 180 episodes from 2001 to 2009. The hit Australian drama cemented her status as a fan favorite, with her sweet-natured character becoming one of the show’s most beloved.
In 2024, Carpani opened up to 7News about why she left Australia to pursue a career in the United States. She said she didn’t want to be known only as “Jodi from McLeod’s Daughters” and aimed to carve out a new path in Hollywood.
Her ambition paid off. Carpani landed parts in American TV hits like NCIS: Los Angeles and The Glades, and appeared in the 2020 Ben Affleck film The Way Back. She balanced her U.S. projects with occasional returns to Australian television, most recently joining Home and Away in a recurring role.
Health battle revealed years before death
In 2021, Carpani revealed that she had been taken to hospital with abdominal pain and required surgery for an unspecified illness. The condition was never publicly detailed, but it was serious enough to require ongoing treatment.
Her family’s statement made it clear that while she had been living with chronic illness for years, her death was still unexpected. The shock of her loss has rippled through fans, especially those who grew up watching her as Jodi.
Condolences poured in on social media, with many remembering her as a warm, down-to-earth talent who left a lasting impression on and off the screen.