Former Home and Away actor and X Factor contestant Johnny Ruffo has sadly passed away at the age of 35. The Australian entertainer was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and underwent surgery to remove a tumor. However, the cancer returned three years later, and Ruffo revealed last August that his diagnosis was terminal.
In an official statement shared on his Instagram account on Friday, Ruffo’s death was announced. The statement expressed the deep sadness of bidding farewell to their beloved Johnny. It revealed that he passed away peacefully in the presence of his partner Tahnee and family, with the support of dedicated nurses and doctors. Describing Ruffo as talented, charming, and occasionally cheeky, the statement acknowledged his determination and strong will in fighting the disease until the end. They emphasized his beautiful soul and the joy he brought to their lives.
Born in Perth in 1988, Ruffo gained public attention as a contestant on the music reality show The X Factor, finishing in third place 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. Ruffo also participated in the celebrity dance show Dancing With The Stars.
In 2013, Ruffo embarked on a three-year journey on the soap opera Home and Away, portraying the character Chris Harrington. Chris was a likable clown and the first son of a wealthy family, engaging in several romances with women in the fictional town of Summer Bay. For his role, Ruffo received a nomination for the most popular new talent category at the 2014 Logie Awards.
Ruffo revealed his brain cancer diagnosis in 2017 and underwent surgery successfully. Two years later, he announced that he had achieved remission. Unfortunately, in November 2020, he shared the heartbreaking news of the cancer’s return along with the determination to fight the disease once again. In August 2022, Ruffo disclosed that his cancer was terminal, releasing a memoir titled No Finish Line the same month.
In his memoir, Ruffo expressed the shared experience of facing cancer, acknowledging the support of others in similar situations. He highlighted the importance of finding something worth fighting for each day and drawing strength from it.
Johnny Ruffo’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and his fans worldwide. His talent, charisma, and indomitable spirit will be remembered and cherished. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his partner Tahnee, his family, and his loved ones during this difficult time.
