December 15, 2025 — 8:08pm
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Rachael Carpani, who played Jodi Fountain McLeod on the TV show McLeod’s Daughters, has died. She was 45.
Carpani’s sister, Georgia, announced on Monday on Instagram that Rachael died “unexpectedly” on December 7 after a “long battle with chronic illness”.
“The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,” the post read. She said a private funeral for friends and family would be held on Friday.
Rachael Carpani played Jodi Fountain McLeod in McLeod’s Daughters.
Carpani’s McLeod’s Daughters co-star, Bridie Carter, posted a tribute to the “baby of our MD” family, and wrote: “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.
“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 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 lovechild 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).
Michala Banas (left), Bridie Carter and Carpani on McLeod’s Daughters.
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, 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-epsiode stint on Home and Away, starring as “strong-willed businesswoman Claudia Salini” in 2024.
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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.
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