Prominent Home and Away actor Johnny Ruffo passes away at the age of 35
A statement conveyed that he passed away in the company of his partner, Tahnee, and family.
Renowned Australian actor and singer Johnny Ruffo has passed away at the age of 35, six years after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Ruffo gained widespread recognition with his debut as Chris Harrington on the popular Australian soap opera Home And Away in 2013, following his appearance in the finals of The X Factor in Australia two years prior.
A statement posted on his official Instagram account conveyed the somber news, stating, “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 affectionately described Ruffo as a “very talented, charming, and sometimes cheeky boy.”
In August 2017, Ruffo publicly revealed his brain cancer diagnosis and commenced “aggressive treatment.” The statement continued, “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.”
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Among those expressing grief over his passing was Melanie Brown, a judge on Australia’s The Masked Singer and a member of the Spice Girls. “My heart just broke,” she shared on Instagram, adding, “Sending my sincere condolences.”
Dave Hughes, another judge on The Masked Singer, commented, “A ⭐ has moved to the next world. Go well Johnny.” Dannii Minogue fondly remembered Ruffo as “the cheekiest chap” and expressed, “His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many. Thinking of his family in this heartbreaking time.”
Penny McNamee, Ruffo’s former Home And Away castmate, paid tribute on Instagram, recalling their first meeting on the show. “Oh Johnny. He was instantly warm, funny and self-deprecating. What joy he brought to the world. Sending all my love to Tahnee, and all Johnny’s family and friends.”
Ricki-Lee Coulter, host of Australian Idol, posted three broken heart emojis, while Bonnie Anderson, a Neighbours actress, remarked, “What a man! You always knew how to light up a room Johnny! Sending every bit of love to all of your loved ones! Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Kylie Gillies, co-host of The Morning Show, added, “Oh darling boy. Sending love to all who knew and loved you. And there are so many.”
Ruffo gained fame as a contestant on The X Factor in Australia, securing third place. He later won the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars with partner Luda Kroitor, followed by a three-year stint on Home And Away starting in 2013.
After revealing his brain cancer diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo underwent surgery and announced remission two years later. In November 2020, he disclosed a recurrence of cancer, confirming its terminal nature two years after that announcement. In the same month, he released his memoir, No Finish Line.
