Home and Away star Rachael Carpani dies aged 45
Australian actress Rachael Carpani - known for her roles in Home and Away and McLeod's Daughters - has passed away "unexpectedly" at the age of 45.
Home and Away actress Rachael Carpani has died "unexpectedly" at the age of 45.
The Australian star – who played the villainous Claudia Salini in the soap last year and also portrayed Jodi Fountain in the drama McLeod's Daughters – passed away earlier this month "after a long battle with chronic illness", her parents have announced.
A statement shared on Carpani's sister Georgia's Instagram account reads: "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 funeral will be a private event, to be held on Friday 19th December with close family and friends. The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements."
Carpani appeared in McLeod's Daughters between 2001 and 2009, earning two Logie nominations in 2007 for her work in the series – The Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress and the coveted Gold Logie award.
Her acting credits include the films Hating Alison Ashley and The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, as well as the TV shows All Saints and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Rachael revealed back in 2021 that she had been rushed to hospital after suffering with acute abdominal pain.
She wrote at the time: "I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU.
"Was then moved to the surgical ward.
"Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain (I tend to work through pain!) and allowing myself to get quite ill."
Carpani continued: "Yet again, another lesson, especially to women who tend to ignore their own care because 'there's no time' or more important things or people to look after, to stop and listen to what your body is trying to tell you."
