Who is Johnny Ruffo?
Johnny Ruffo, the singer and actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 35 after bravely battling brain cancer for six years. He first gained recognition in 2011 on X Factor Australia and quickly rose to fame when he played the character Chris Harrington on Home and Away from 2013 to 2016.
Johnny’s family has officially announced his passing on Friday through his Instagram account. Alongside a picture of the TV personality, the caption expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Today, we sadly had to say goodbye to our dear Johnny.”
Johnny passed away peacefully, surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, with the caring presence of amazing nurses and doctors. He was a remarkably talented and charming young man, occasionally displaying a mischievous side. Johnny was incredibly determined with a strong will, fighting bravely until the very end. He possessed a beautiful soul and had so much more to offer to the world.
The statement concluded: “We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.”
Following the news, a number of Johnny’s friends, former co-stars and fans have paid tribute in the comments. Among them, Dannii Minogue, penned: “The cheekiest chap. His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many. Thinking of his family in this heart breaking time.”
Home and Away star Andrew James Morley has also responded, writing: “Forever in my heart mate. Brother on and off screen.” Meanwhile, Spice Girls star and The Masked Singer Australia judge, Mel B, was overcome with emotion, commenting: “My heart just broke.”
In 2017, Johnny got the tough news that he had brain cancer. After a couple of years of battling it with treatment, he went into remission. Sadly, the cancer made a comeback in 2020, and in a 2022 interview with The Project, Johnny shared that he had been given a terminal diagnosis.
“What plays in my head a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it may be for her if something does happen to me,” Johnny said of his girlfriend, Tahnee Sims. “You can only imagine how difficult it’s been for her.
“So, it’s something that I don’t want to think about. It just gets me a little bit emotional about it because I know at some point something will happen, whether it’s, you know, a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years.”
Johnny shared, “Even though I know there’s a moment when it might catch up with me, I’m not giving up. I’m still pushing through, and you know what? I’m ahead in this battle. Right now, my aim is to support as many folks as possible and find joy in my own life.”
Before Johnny passed away, he dedicated his efforts to raise awareness about brain cancer in Australia. Additionally, he actively participated in different charitable events to support the cause.
