Johnny Ruffo, the former Home and Away actor and X Factor contestant, has died aged 35.
Ruffo was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and underwent surgery to remove a tumor, but the cancer returned three years later. Last August, Ruffo revealed that his diagnosis was terminal.
His death was announced Friday in a press release shared on his Instagram account.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye today to our beloved Johnny,” we read in the press release.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and his family, Johnny left peacefully with the support of incredible nurses and doctors.
“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He fought until 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 we will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Keep calm.
Born in Perth in 1988, Ruffo first came to the public eye as a contestant on music reality show The X Factor, finishing third in the 2011 competition. The following year, he signed a contract with Sony Music Australia and recorded a duet with his former X Factor mentor Guy Sebastian, then took part in celebrity dance show Dancing With The Stars.
In 2013, Ruffo began a three-year stint on the soap opera Home and Away, playing Chris Harrington, the first son of a wealthy family and a friendly clown, who had several romances with women in Summer Bay. For his performance, Ruffo was nominated for Most Popular New Talent at the 2014 Logie Awards.
In 2017, Ruffo revealed that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent surgery to remove a tumor and, two years later, revealed he was in remission.
In November 2020, he revealed that his brain cancer had returned, writing on Instagram: “After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches, it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know that I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, although I’m going to dig deep and beat this shit disease again.
after newsletter promotion
In August 2022, he announced that his cancer was terminal and the same month he released a memoir titled No Finish Line.
“One of the saddest things about cancer is that although it may seem like an isolating experience and you are the only sufferer, you quickly learn that it is actually quite a big club that no one asked to be a part of,” he wrote.
“Every day I discovered that identifying just one thing worth fighting for can give me the strength I need to pick up my head and take on the day.”
On Friday, Sebastian remembered his friend as “the funniest guy and such a kind soul…you lit up my life every time I saw you and I just wish I could see more of you.” »
Angus Ross of the Seven Network, which broadcasts both Home and Away and Dancing with the Stars, paid tribute to Ruffo, describing him as a “talented and charismatic entertainer (who) was born to entertain and brought joy to so many of people on and off the network. screen. His infectious energy and big heart will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We send our deepest condolences to Johnny’s partner, family and friends.
