Many fans were moved to tears when Channel Seven’s Spotlight aired a special memorial show last night in honour of Johnny Ruffo.
Before he passed away in 2021, Johnny shot an episode with his close friend and Home and Away star Lynne McGranger, partner Tahnee Sims, and former X-Factor judge Guy Sebastian.
The one-hour series traced Johnny’s career from his appearance on The X-Factor in 2011 to his national prominence, including a tour with One Direction, his victory on Dancing With the Stars, and his appearance on Home and Away.
But following a string of severe migraines, the star’s life drastically changed in 2017. He and Tahnee related how Johnny began slurring his words and making mistakes in his speech one evening while Tahnee was preparing dinner. After arriving at the hospital right away, Johnny later went into a coma that evening.
Later on, they discovered he had a brain tumour, and he may have passed away in a matter of weeks if they hadn’t gone to the hospital that evening.
Johnny haste to the hospital
“They had to operate right away because I had a 7 cm tumour in my right frontal lobe, which is roughly the size of my fist,” Johnny stated.
Following his operation, Johnny underwent a course of intense chemotherapy and radiation therapy when it was determined that his tumour was malignant. In 2019, he entered remission.
However, the cancer reappeared soon after, and in 2020 the celebrity experienced many convulsions.
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Johnny remarked, “From memory, I had 11 seizures in four days, so I don’t remember a lot from those four days.” Tahnee concurred, saying that Johnny was “probably semi-conscious for like nine days.”
Less than 1% of brain tumours are similar to Johnny’s extremely rare brain malignancy.
According to Johnny’s close friend Lynne McGranger, he would have achieved even more if his sickness hadn’t taken over his life.
“I believe he could have accomplished even greater and better things if his illness hadn’t gotten in the way,” she remarked.
“A magnificent homage”
Following the broadcast of the memorial, many raced to Channel 7’s page to leave comments.
“Very moving and difficult to watch, but a true homage! “What a fantastic tale and motivating individual!” exclaimed someone. “Life is short and unpredictable enjoy every moment here and tell people you love them.”
“What a beautiful homage. I sobbed. Another person remarked, “The poor darling, but he is free of his pain now.”
Another user remarked, “A special tribute to a very special guy who was well loved by all of Australia!”
Tahnee received a lot of accolades for her devotion and commitment to Johnny.
“A lovely homage to a lovely soul. Peacefully rest, Johnny,” remarked someone. “As for Tahnee you are one amazing soul.”
“A touching and exquisite remembrance of a remarkable pair who clearly had a deep love for one another. Another added, “I was inspired by their positivity.” “RIP Johnny and sincere condolences to Tahnee and Johnny’s family.”
