The young, promising Home And Away actor’s death at the age of 35 was a premature and unexpected departure.
Home and Away actor and Australian singer Johnny Ruffo has died after suffering brain cancer – the star first rose to fame on Australian X Factor before he shot to fame on the soap
Home and Away actor Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35 following a battle with brain cancer.
The star first rose to fame on X Factor Australia, before turning his talents to acting in the popular soap opera. Johnny was first diagnosed in 2017 and worked hard to raise funding and awareness surrounding brain cancer in Australia.
The actor passed away on Friday (November 3) and was surrounded by loved ones. His family has since shared a heartfelt statement online.
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They penned on Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny.. Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.
“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.
“We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy.”
Spice Girl Mel B and former X Factor judge sent condolences to his family. Another show judge and Australian singer Dannii Minogue also wrote on Instagram: “The cheekiest chap. His voice, smile, and dancing feet will be missed by so many.”
Johnny shot to fame on X Factor in 2011 and then went on to star as Chris Harrington on Home and Away for three years. Throughout his career, he also released several singles and won a season of Dancing with the Stars.
The singer was forced to put his career on hold after his devastating diagnosis in 2017. Then after two years of treatment, he entered remission, but his cancer tragically returned in 2020.
In 2022, Johnny told fans that his prognosis had unfortunately become terminal. He told Channel 10: “Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour and… the average life expectancy was three years. For me it’s now been five years, so I’m already winning.
“At some point, it is going to get me… My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can.”
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