Home and Away and X Factor star Johnny Ruffo dies aged just 35

10 November 2023 , 02:33

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Johnny Ruffo died after a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer

Former Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35, six years after being diagnosed with brain cancer, it has been announced.

The musician made his first appearance as character Chris Harrington in popular Australian soap Home and Away in 2013, two years after appearing in the final of X Factor Australia.

A statement on his official Instagram said: "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 and doctors." The statement described Ruffo as a "very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy".

The star was candid about his journey with cancer (Instagram)

He has regularly updated his fans of his hospital visits (Johnny Ruffo/Instagram)

"Johnny was very determined and had a strong will," the statement continued. "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."

In August 2017, Ruffo announced that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and was starting "aggressive treatment".

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Johnny received his cancer diagnosis after seeing a doctor over a "migraine". This resulted in an emergency operation and the doctors told him he had brain cancer. While in 2019 it was reported that Johnny was cancer-free, he delivered the news in 2020 that it returned. This time, it was terminal.

He still explored his love for music during his treatment (Instagram)

His family shared the information in a touching post on Instagram

He previously said on The Project: "At some point it will get me but I'm still fighting. [...] Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me it's now been five years. I'm already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can and also live a happy life."

After his time on Home and Away, Johnny continued his career as an independent artist. He released a single called She Got That O and a cover of White Christmas. He also continued with music after his cancer diagnosis, releasing a single called Broken Glass. He told Channel 7: "This song is probably the most vulnerable song I've written. It's very personal for me. It's loosely about my experiences in the past two or three years – and about being down and out – not necessarily about cancer, but about anything like depression or losing a loved one."

He was vocal about his desire to help others through his story

Fans and celebrities alike are devastated, flooding the Instagram post with touching tributes. Taylor Henderson wrote: "Oh my goodness this is so heartbreaking . I am so sorry to hear this. What an incredible man he is. He gave me such incredible advice at the start of my career and I was always amazed at his work ethic. He really inspired me to keep going. what a legend! RIP Johnny thanks for all the joy you brought to this world for others."

"My heart just broke," wrote Mel B. Georgie Parker wrote: "Sending love to Johnnys family, friends and loved ones. He was truly one in a million, funny, bright and such a hard worker. It’s ridiculously cruel that he’s no longer here. Rest up now Johnny."

Alex West