SAD NEWS: Former Home and Away actor has passed away at the age of 35, shortly after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Former X Factor contestant and Home and Away actor, Johnny Ruffo, has died from brain cancer aged 35.
The announcement was made on Ruffo’s Instagram page today where he was remembered as being “cheeky” and “charming”.
“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” the post read.
“We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.“
He was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, and again for a second time in 2020.
“He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could,” the post read.
“Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.”
Ruffo died surrounded by his partner Tahnee Sims and his family.
He last updated his 267,000 Instagram followers on his progress with cancer in early August, where he featured a video montage of his six years in hospital including removing the medical staples from his surgery scar.
Tributes from former co-stars
His former Home and Away co-star Penny McNamee wrote that Ruffo was the first cast member she met on the set at Sydney’s Palm Beach.
“He was instantly warm and funny and self-deprecating. What joy he brought to the world. Sending all my love to Tanner and Johnny’s family and friends.”
Former Spice Girl, Mel B, who was a judge on X-Factor Australia when Ruffo competed in 2011, wrote: “My heart just broke.
“Sending my sincere condolences.”
While Home and Away co-star Georgie Parker called Ruffo “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,” she wrote.
In November 2020, the Take It Home singer again took to his social media accounts to let his fans know that his cancer 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,” he wrote at the time.
Last year Ruffo released a book, No Finish Line, documenting the first moment he was told about the 7-centimetre tumour in his brain, also known as a stage three oligodendroglioma.
He completed the book while undergoing chemotherapy.
