💔 “Thank you for bringing joy and ridiculous into my world…”

Home and Away star Rachael Carpani’s heartbreaking final Instagram post is resurfacing – a grateful message about love, hugs, and fries instead of cake… just weeks before her sudden passing at 45.

She fought silently for decades against excruciating pain from endometriosis and adenomyosis, smiling through it all on set and in life. But behind the scenes, the chronic illness was taking its toll – hospital stays, surgeries, and a desperate search for relief.

Now, fans are devastated as her family’s announcement reveals the “long battle” that ended too soon. Was this her quiet goodbye? The tributes are pouring in, and the truth about her hidden suffering will break your heart… Click to read her final words and the full story 👇

Australian actress Rachael Carpani, best known for her iconic role as Jodi Fountain on the long-running drama “McLeod’s Daughters,” passed away on December 7 at the age of 45 after what her family described as a prolonged battle with chronic illness.

The news broke on December 15 when Carpani’s sister, Georgia, shared a statement from their parents, Tony and Gael Carpani, on Instagram. “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 post read. The family requested privacy and noted that a private funeral would be held on December 19 for close friends and family.

Carpani’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and fans, many of whom have revisited her social media activity in the months leading up to her passing. One post in particular, from earlier in 2025, has been widely shared as a poignant reflection of her gratitude amid ongoing health struggles. In it, Carpani thanked friends and supporters for their kindness during a difficult time, mentioning “hugs, the gifts, the fries (instead of cake),” late-night FaceTimes, and messages that brought “joy and ridiculous” into her world.

While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed beyond the reference to chronic illness, Carpani had been open in previous years about her decades-long fight with endometriosis and adenomyosis – conditions that cause severe pain and can lead to significant health complications.

Born on August 24, 1980, in Sydney, Rachael Anna-Maie Carpani began her acting career with small roles on Australian television, including early appearances on “All Saints” and “Home and Away.” Her big break came in 2001 when she was cast as the teenage Jodi Fountain on “McLeod’s Daughters,” a series about life on a rural sheep station. Carpani appeared in nearly 180 episodes across eight seasons, earning two Logie Award nominations in 2007 – one for Most Popular Actress and a Gold Logie nod.

The role made her a household name in Australia, where the show became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and launching the careers of several cast members. Carpani’s portrayal of the spirited, kind-hearted Jodi resonated with audiences, and she returned for a guest spot in the 2009 series finale.

In the late 2000s, Carpani relocated to the United States to expand her career. She landed recurring roles on shows like “Cane,” “The Glades” (opposite former boyfriend and “McLeod’s Daughters” co-star Matt Passmore), and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” She also starred as the lead in the Lifetime police drama “Against the Wall” in 2011 and appeared in films such as “Triangle” (2009) with Liam Hemsworth, “If There Be Thorns” (2015), and Ben Affleck’s 2020 basketball drama “The Way Back.”

Carpani returned to Australian screens in 2024 with a recurring role on “Home and Away” as the enigmatic Claudia Salini – one of her final projects.

Throughout her career, Carpani maintained a relatively private personal life but was vocal about social issues, including domestic violence awareness, climate change, Indigenous rights, and women’s health. In October 2021, she shared a detailed Instagram post about her 20-year struggle with endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions she said caused debilitating pain since her early teens.

She described enduring pain levels of 8 or 9 out of 10 for years, relying on heat pads, ice baths, acupuncture, and over-the-counter medication while “plastering a big smile” on her face during work and public appearances. Carpani credited finding specialist care that included uterine artery embolization (UAE), a procedure that significantly reduced her pain, bringing it down to a manageable 2 or 3.

“Australia is woefully behind when it comes to women’s health,” she wrote at the time, urging others to advocate for themselves and listen to their bodies. She emphasized that while the treatment worked for her, experiences vary, and encouraged open dialogue about these often-dismissed conditions.

Sources close to Carpani have indicated that her health challenges persisted, with occasional hospital visits and surgeries mentioned in subsequent posts. One update referenced time in intensive care followed by recovery, underscoring the ongoing nature of her battle.

Tributes from the entertainment industry have highlighted Carpani’s warmth, resilience, and talent. Bridie Carter, who played Tess on “McLeod’s Daughters,” called her the “baby of the MD family” in an emotional Instagram post: “This is the wrong order of things… May your blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, rest in peace.”

Matt Passmore, her former partner and co-star, wrote: “Farewell my friend. All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”

Fans have flooded social media with memories of her performances, particularly her role on “McLeod’s Daughters,” which continues to air in reruns and stream internationally. Many have expressed shock at her young age and gratitude for her advocacy, noting how her openness helped destigmatize women’s health issues.

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide, often leading to chronic pain, infertility, and other complications. Adenomyosis, a related condition, involves endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall. Both can severely impact quality of life, and delays in diagnosis – as Carpani experienced for over two decades – are common due to normalization of menstrual pain.

Carpani’s story has reignited discussions about the need for better research and treatment options for these conditions. Advocacy groups have referenced her passing in calls for increased funding and awareness.

In her professional life, Carpani balanced Australian roots with Hollywood ambitions, often returning home for projects. She spoke fondly of her time on “McLeod’s Daughters,” crediting it with shaping her career, while appreciating the anonymity that allowed her to grow in the U.S.

As of late 2025, no further details about her illness or funeral have been released, in line with the family’s request for privacy. Representatives for Carpani did not respond to requests for comment.

The actress is survived by her parents, Tony and Gael, and sister Georgia. Her legacy includes not only memorable roles that entertained generations but also her courageous voice in advocating for those suffering in silence.