Johnny Ruffo, an Australian singer and actor, passed away six years after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Two years after competing in the Australian final of The X Factor, the 35-year-old made his debut in the popular Australian serial opera Home and Away in 2013 as Chris Harrington.
“We had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today with a heavy heart,” read a statement posted on his official Instagram account.
“With the help of some amazing nurses and doctors, Johnny passed away peacefully, surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family.”
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Ruffo was characterised as a “very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy” in the statement.
Ruffo revealed in August 2017 that he had been given a brain cancer diagnosis and will be beginning “aggressive treatment.”
The statement went on, “Johnny had a strong will and was very determined.”
“He fought until the very end, with all of his might.
“A truly lovely spirit with so much more to offer.
“Johnny, you are loved by all of us and we will always remember the joy you brought into our lives. Feel at ease.
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The Spice Girls singer Melanie Brown, an Australian judge on The Masked Singer, was among those lamenting his passing.
She posted on Instagram, saying, “My heart just broke,” and then, “Sending my sincere condolences.”
Comedian Dave Hughes, a fellow Masked Singer judge, wrote: “A (star emoji) has moved to the next world.” Good luck, Johnny,” Dannii Minogue said, calling Ruffo “the cheekiest chap.”
Many will miss his voice, grin, and dancing feet. In this terrible moment, I’m thinking of his family,” she continued.
Penny McNamee, a former cast member of Home and Away, paid tribute to Ruffo on Instagram, writing: “Oh Johnny. He was the first cast member I had ever met on @homeandaway, and he struck me right away as friendly, witty, and humble.
How happy he made the world. I’m sending my warmest regards to Tahnee and all of Johnny’s loved ones.
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Three broken heart emoticons were posted on the post by Australian Idol host Ricki-Lee Coulter, while Neighbours actress Bonnie Anderson added, “What a man! Johnny, you had a way of making a place seem brighter!
I’m sending my undying love to all of your family members! incredibly painful.
Kylie Gillies, co-host of The Morning Show, continued, saying, “Oh darling boy.” Love to all those who knew and felt you. And the number is enormous.
After finishing third in the competition, Ruffo gained notoriety as an Australian competitor on The X Factor.
Following his win with professional partner Luda Kroitor on the Australian version of Dancing With the Stars, he went on to participate on Home And Away in 2013, where he spent three years.
Following the announcement of his brain cancer diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and two years later, he declared himself to be in remission.
He revealed on Instagram in November 2020 that his cancer had returned. Two years later, he confirmed the news that his illness was fatal, and the same month he published his memoir No Finish Line.
