‘The greatest gift you gave was knowing you’: Emotional tributes left for McLeod’s Daughters star
Updated December 16, 2025 — 8:03am,first published December 15, 2025 — 6:08pm
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McLeod’s Daughters star Rachael Carpani is being remembered for the joy she brought audiences with her “unique talent” on-screen and for her “great humour” in her personal life.
The actress, who in 2007 earned a Gold Logie nomination for her portrayal of Jodi Fountain McLeod on the Australian drama series, has died “unexpectedly” aged 45 after a “long battle with chronic illness”. Her sister, Georgia, announced Carpani’s death on Monday on Instagram.
“Farewell my friend,” wrote Carpani’s former partner and McLeod’s Daughters co-star Matt Passmore on Instagram. “All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”
Rachael Carpani, pictured here in 2007 when she was nominated for a Gold and Silver Logie, has died. She was 45.Fiona-Lee Quimby
Another McLeod’s Daughter co-star to pay tribute was Jonny Pasvolsky, whose character Matt Bosnich was married to Carpani’s character in the show. “My beautiful, funny friend and screen partner from McLeod’s Daughters, Rachael Carpani has passed away. Way. Too. Soon,” he wrote on Instagram. “My heart is with her family in a time of unimaginable pain. Rest in peace Rach. You made me laugh (and you made me cry once).”
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Passmore and Pasvolsky’s messages join the heartfelt tribute written by another co-star Bridie Carter, who left an emotional message on Instagram to “the ‘baby’ of our [McLeod’s Daughters] family” shortly after Carpani’s death was announced on Monday.
“We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you,” Carter wrote. “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.
“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.”
Carpani played Jodi Fountain McLeod in McLeod’s Daughters.
Carpani died on December 7, her sister, Georgia, said on Monday. A private funeral for friends and family will be held on Friday.
“The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,” Georgia’s post read.
Michala Banas (left), Bridie Carter and Carpani on McLeod’s Daughters.
Carpani joined McLeod’s Daughters in 2001, playing farmhand Jodi Fountain, the daughter of Drovers Run housekeeper Meg.
She was elevated to “daughter” status later in the series when it was revealed she was the love-child of Drover’s Run patriarch Jack McLeod (played by Jack Thompson in a 1996 TV movie that pre-dated the TV series).
Her character was the half-sister of the show’s two leads, Claire (Lisa Chappell) and Tess (Carter).
The Nine Network* program, which ran for eight seasons from 2001 to 2009, was a huge hit overseas, screening in more than 200 territories, including in the United States on the Hallmark network.
Carpani with her former partner and McLeod’s Daughters co-star Matt Passmore in 2009.Lee Besford
Carpani, who also appeared on All Saints, was nominated for a Gold Logie in 2007, as well as being nominated in the Most Popular Actress category.
She left McLeod’s Daughters in 2007 to pursue a career in the US, where she was cast in the pilot of Law Dogs opposite Janeane Garofalo.
Despite the program not being picked up, Carpani landed a few guest roles on US TV in shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles and Cane.
Carpani returned to McLeod’s Daughters for a guest role in season eight, after her character reappeared after entering a witness protection program.
Most recently, Carpani appeared in a 12-episode stint on Home and Away, starring as “strong-willed businesswoman Claudia Salini” in 2024.
*Nine Entertainment is the owner of this masthead.
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Louise Rugendyke is the National TV editor and a senior culture writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.Bronte Gossling is a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAtoday and Brisbane Times.Connect via email.
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