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Vale: Johnny Ruffo

Much-loved Australian performer Johnny Ruffo best known for Home & Away and The X Factor has died following a long battle with brain cancer.

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Much-loved Australian performer Johnny Ruffo best known for Home & Away and The X Factor has died, aged just 35.

He passed away following a long battle with brain cancer.

“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.”

Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Entertainment Programming, Angus Ross said: “Seven is deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny Ruffo. The talented and charismatic performer was born to entertain and brought joy to the lives of so many on and off the screen. His infectious energy and big heart will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. We pass on our heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s partner, family and friends.”

Ruffo shot to fame on The X Factor in 2011, as a singing concreter from Perth, finishing third with his infectious talent. Even against better singers judge Mel B said, “There’s just something about ou, Johnny Ruffo.”

He was later cast in Home & Away where he developed his talent as an actor in the role of Chris Harrington in 2013.

In 2017 it was announced he had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour, which was discovered after he went to the hospital suffering from a migraine.

“The day that it truly sunk in was maybe, I don’t know, three or four weeks into radiotherapy. I was at home one day, and I was watching television, and I just went to, like this, just scratch my hair, and I pulled my hand forward and I had a whole clump of hair in my hand, and I just broke down and I cried and cried and cried,” he said.

Learning he was in remission in 219 was the “greatest day of my life”.

But in 2020 it had returned.

“After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned,” he wrote.

Remarkably he made a return to Dancing with the Stars in 2022 making a guest appearance lauded by many.

Farewell, Johnny…

This post updates.

18 Responses

  1. Nice tribute, and gee what a massive impact he had in only 12 years. Cancer is the worse, sorry to his family for their loss! Also to the many friends and colleagues who will be deeply affected well! Fine young bloke!

  2. Life is so unfair. Rest in peace Johnny. Condolences to all your family and friends, but in particular Lynne McGranger who I know was very close with Johnny and his family. 💔💔

  3. RIP Johnny. As the mother of a son who lost his battle with brain cancer at age 22 my heart goes out to his parents, family and friends. It’s very hard to deal with. 🙁

  10. Such sad news. He fought this battle like Rocky, but brain cancer is such an awful, insidious disease.

    My deepest prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones, from someone who’s also lost someone to this awful thing.

  11. Truly heartbreaking..no one at such a young age should endure what he has been through…he was brave and courageous…what a terrible lost especially to his family and friends…RIP Johnny fly high with the angels you will be remembered for that beautiful smile and you will be missed…🕊️

  16. Such a sad ending to a life that was full of happiness and endless abilities. Johnny, you fought hard from the moment you were diagnosed to the moment you took your last breath. To Tahnee, all your family, friends, fans and loved ones, you have my deepest sympathies. CureBrainCancer

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