Rachael Carpani’s famous friends have shared heartfelt tributes to the Australian actress following her shock death last week aged 45.

The soap star’s family confirmed she died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on December 7.

Her former co-stars and A-list pals remembered Rachael as a ‘huge-hearted ray of sunshine’.

‘What sad news. Bless you Rachael… a class above in every way,’ wrote her Scorched co-star Cameron Daddo.

‘The world has lost the endlessly huge-hearted beautiful Rachael Carpani. My friendship with Rachael in Los Angeles and beyond will remain etched in my heart as one of my most significant,’ added Australian actress Sarah Doyle.

‘Heart breaking. Rest in peace lovely xxx,’ Neighbours star Esther Anderson chimed in.

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Rachael Carpani’s famous friends have shared heartfelt tributes to the Australian actress following her shock death last week aged 45

‘Cannot believe it. A complete ray of sunshine,’ Wolf Like Me actress Emma Lung wrote.

Earlier this week, Bridie Carter, who played Tess Silverman McLeod on the Australian drama series, took to social media to honour the ‘baby of our McLeod’s Daughters family’, saying she will be missed by friends and fans across the globe.

‘We love you, we cherish you. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you,’ Bridie added.

‘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.

‘We love you Carpani. We miss you Rach. 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.’

Bridie concluded her post by offering prayers for Rachael’s family.

Taking to his social media on Tuesday, Rachael’s ex Matt Passmore, 51, shared a photo of Rachael and added a brief caption.

‘Farewell, my friend. All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you,’ he said.

Rachael is best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the hit series McLeod’s Daughters between 2001 and 2009

Rachael and Matt enjoyed a long romance after first meeting on the set of McLeod’s Daughters in 2006. They split in 2011.

Rachael’s death was confirmed by her family earlier this week in a social media statement.

‘It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness,’ her parents wrote on social media.

The family went on to reveal the funeral plans, adding that it will be a ‘private event’.

‘The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,’ they added.

Rachael is best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the hit series McLeod’s Daughters between 2001 and 2009.

In 2007, she was nominated for the Silver Logie for most popular actress and the biggest award, the Gold Logie.

She appeared in several films, including titles such as The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, Hating Alison Ashley and The Way Back.

Earlier this week, Bridie Carter, who played Tess Silverman McLeod on the Australian drama series, took to social media to honour the ‘baby of our McLeod’s Daughters family’, saying she will be missed by friends and fans across the globe

Her latest project was last year, playing a recurring role in Aussie soap opera Home and Away as the villainous Claudia Salini.

Rachael concerned fans in 2021 after acute abdominal pain saw her rushed to hospital, where she said she ‘spent a few days in the ICU’.

‘Was then moved to the surgical ward,’ she said.

‘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.’

‘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.’

Rachael also revealed she had spent Valentine’s Day in hospital and shared a photo of herself sitting in her hospital bed and holding a bouquet.