Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo fought until the end before losing his long battle with brain cancer on Friday morning.
The actor and singer died at the age of 35 in a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Simms present.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with the tragic news of his death, his last post was a heartbreaking collaborative video with Tahnee posted in early August.
Tahnee, 29, praised his resilience, writing: “Six years after diagnosis. ‘What a fighter!’
The poignant video began with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, punctuated by sweet snaps of the couple together.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with news of his death, Johnny Ruffo’s last post was a heartbreaking collaborative video with partner Tahnee Sims
At the time, Johnny’s Instagram post received a flood of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars and several other celebrities.
‘Love you both. “Always in my prayers,” commented Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, while Ada Nicodemou remarked, “Such a fighter.”
Former “Bachelor” star Anna Heinrich commented with love heart emojis, as did “The Morning Show” co-host Kylie Gillies.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my husband,” added radio host Michael “Wippa” Wipfli.
In another Instagram post in July, Ruffo spoke about the reality of battling terminal cancer.
The poignant video began with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, punctuated by adorable snaps of the couple together
Tahnee, 29, praised his resilience, writing: “Six years after diagnosis. ‘What a fighter!’
He posted a photo of himself lying in a hospital chair, seemingly undergoing another round of chemotherapy.
“Back to reality,” he wrote in the caption.
That same month, he and Tahnee took a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.
The couple stayed in luxury accommodation and enjoyed the stunning views of the resort.
They also enjoyed an exciting helicopter ride during the winter vacation, which was to be the last before Ruffo’s death.
At the time, Johnny’s Instagram post received a flood of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars as well as other celebrities
The heartbreaking news of his death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” they said in a statement.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny’s journey was peaceful, supported by some incredible nurses and doctors.
Former “Bachelor” star Anna Heinrich commented with love heart emojis, as did “The Morning Show” co-host Kylie Gillies. “I couldn’t be prouder of my husband,” radio host Wippa added
In a heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo opened up about the reality of battling terminal cancer
“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy.” Johnny was very determined and strong-willed. He fought until the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul who still has so much to give.
“We all love you, Johnny, and will remember you for all the joy you brought into our lives. ‘Sleep peacefully.’
Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after being hospitalized with painful migraines.
In another heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo opened up about the reality of battling terminal cancer
That same month, Johnny and Tahnee took a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand
In August of that year, he underwent immediate surgery and a 7cm brain tumor was surgically removed from his frontal lobe before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Ruffo recovered months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but announced in November 2020 that the illness had returned.
In August 2022, he confirmed that his brain tumor diagnosis was terminal and said he was afraid of how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope if he was dead. 
The couple stayed in luxury accommodation and enjoyed the stunning views of the resort
Tahnee and Johnny were all smiles as they enjoyed their winter wonderland getaway
They also enjoyed a thrilling helicopter ride during the escape, which would be the last before Ruffo’s tragic death
In December 2022, Ruffo marked another year of his chemotherapy treatment and revealed that he was looking forward to taking some time off over Christmas and spending time with family.
Timeline of Johnny Ruffo’s life before his death at age 35
1988 – Ruffo was born in Perth to parents Jill and Pascoe
2011 – Singer’s career takes off on X Factor Australia, where he placed third
2012 – Ruffo wins Dancing With The Stars. He also releases his debut single “On Top”.
2013 – Ruffo’s acting career begins with an appearance on Channel Seven’s Home and Away as Chris Harrington
2015 – Singer meets his partner Tahnee Sims
2017 – Ruffo is first diagnosed with brain cancer after being hospitalized with painful migraines
2019 – He announces his cancer is in remission
2020 – Ruffo’s cancer returns
2022 – The actor confirms his cancer is incurable
2023 – Ruffo dies of brain cancer in the presence of Tahnee and his family
The actor put on a brave face, smiled and gave a thumbs up while sitting on a chair.
“Back in my favorite chair,” he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.
In March of this year, Ruffo began more chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in the hospital with his Tahnee by his side.
The actor underwent several rounds of treatment before losing his battle with the disease on Friday.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbiz career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Ruffo was the last contestant eliminated in the competition, which was ultimately won by Reece Mastin.
A music career followed, during which Ruffo released several hit singles, including On Top and Take It Home.
However, he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
In 2020, he also appeared in that series’ soap rival series Neighbors.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbiz career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011
However, he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016. Pictured here