💔 “REST IN PEACE… BEAUTIFUL BLOSSOM…”

McLeod’s Daughters star Rachael Carpani’s famous co-stars are pouring out their hearts in gut-wrenching tributes after her sudden passing at just 45 – calling her a “ray of sunshine,” “beautiful girl,” and “vivid spirit” gone way too soon…

Bridie Carter’s emotional words about their “baby of the family,” Matt Passmore’s farewell to his ex and friend, Jonny Pasvolsky’s unimaginable pain – the outpouring is overwhelming as fans worldwide mourn the hidden health warrior who battled silently for decades.

She brought joy to millions as Jodi Fountain, but behind the smile was unthinkable suffering… These raw messages from her inner circle will leave you in tears. Click to read every heartbreaking tribute 👇

The Australian entertainment industry is reeling from the loss of Rachael Carpani, with former co-stars from “McLeod’s Daughters” and other projects sharing deeply personal tributes following the actress’s unexpected death on December 7 at age 45.

Carpani’s family announced the news on December 15 via a statement posted by her sister Georgia on Instagram, revealing that the star had passed “unexpectedly but peacefully” after a prolonged battle with chronic illness. A private funeral was held on December 19 for close family and friends, with the family requesting privacy and indicating no further public statements would be made.

While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, Carpani had been open about her long-term struggles with endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions she first discussed publicly in 2021 after enduring severe pain since her teenage years.

Tributes began pouring in almost immediately after the announcement, led by Carpani’s “McLeod’s Daughters” family. Bridie Carter, who played Tess Silverman McLeod alongside Carpani’s Jodi Fountain for much of the show’s run, posted an extensive and emotional message, describing it as “the most difficult post.”

“In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family,” Carter wrote. “Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….the ‘baby’ of our McLeod’s Daughters family. This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you.”

Carter continued: “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. We love you Carpani. We miss you Rach.”

The post resonated widely, with fans and colleagues alike echoing the sentiment that Carpani’s vibrant personality had touched countless lives.

Matt Passmore, Carpani’s former partner and co-star on “McLeod’s Daughters” where he played Marcus Turner in later seasons, shared a simpler but equally poignant tribute. “Farewell my friend,” he wrote alongside a photo of Carpani. “All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”

The pair had dated for several years after meeting on set in 2006, splitting amicably in 2011 but remaining close. Comments on Passmore’s post included messages from fellow actors, with one noting the profound loss of such a “bright beautiful talent.”

Jonny Pasvolsky, who portrayed Rob/Matt on the series and shared many scenes with Carpani, expressed disbelief at the news. “My beautiful, funny friend and screen partner from McLeod’s Daughters, Rachael Carpani has passed away. Way. Too. Soon,” he posted. “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).”

Other cast members followed suit. Jessica Napier, known for playing Becky Howard, penned an emotional open letter reflecting on shared memories, including trips and late-night laughs. She described feeling “shattered” at the passing and extended condolences to the family.

Esther Anderson from “Neighbours” added a brief but heartfelt note: “Heart breaking. Rest in peace lovely xxx.”

Beyond her Australian roots, tributes came from U.S. colleagues. Marisa Ramirez, who co-starred with Carpani on the Lifetime series “Against the Wall,” called her “another gem, an actual unicorn taken from us away too soon.” Ramirez reminisced about their time filming in Toronto and expressed regret over unfinished plans.

Fans have also flooded social media with memories, particularly of Carpani’s breakout role as the optimistic Jodi Fountain on “McLeod’s Daughters,” which aired from 2001 to 2009 and earned her Logie nominations, including a Gold Logie nod in 2007. Dedicated fan pages and groups saw thousands of posts sharing favorite episodes and expressing shock at her young age.

Carpani’s career began in Australia with early roles on shows like “All Saints” before her defining turn on the rural drama. She later pursued opportunities in Hollywood, appearing in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “The Glades,” “Against the Wall” (as lead detective Abby Kowalski), and films including “Triangle” with Liam Hemsworth and Ben Affleck’s “The Way Back.”

Her most recent role was a recurring part on “Home and Away” as Claudia Salini in 2024, marking a return to Australian television.

Throughout her life, Carpani was known for her advocacy on various issues, including domestic violence, climate change, Indigenous rights, and women’s health. Her 2021 Instagram post detailing two decades of pain from endometriosis and adenomyosis struck a chord, as she described enduring levels of 8 or 9 out of 10 while working and advocating for better care.

She credited a uterine artery embolization procedure with finally providing relief, while criticizing delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in Australia. Carpani encouraged others to persist in seeking answers, noting that her experience was not unique.

In interviews, she reflected on managing pain during demanding shoots, such as horseback riding on “McLeod’s Daughters,” without disclosing her condition to the largely male crew at the time.

The outpouring of grief underscores Carpani’s impact both on screen and off. Colleagues described her as generous, resilient, and full of humor, qualities that shone through despite private challenges.

As tributes continue to emerge, the entertainment community remembers a talent cut short, whose openness about health struggles helped destigmatize conditions affecting millions of women.

Carpani is survived by her parents, Tony and Gael, and sister Georgia. Her legacy includes iconic performances that entertained global audiences and a voice that empowered those facing similar silent battles.