Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35 after a long battle with brain cancer.
The singer died in a Sydney hospital on Friday morning, his spokesman told Chron Australia.
The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
The actor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his beloved partner Tahnee Sims.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” they said in a statement.
Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35 after a long battle with brain cancer. The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page on Friday
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny’s journey was peaceful, supported by some incredible nurses and doctors.
“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.’
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.
The actor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his beloved wife Tahnee Sims
Johnny was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after being hospitalized with painful migraines. Pictured with partner Tahnee
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Johnny 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 on the soap Neighbors.
The actor is best known for his role as Chris Harrington on the Seven soap from 2013 to 2016 (pictured).
Johnny was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after being hospitalized with painful migraines.
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.
The former X Factor star continued to praise his partner Tahnee, describing her as his “guardian angel” and saying he doesn’t know what he would do without her.
Johnny went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but announced in November 2021 that the disease had returned.
Earlier this year, Ruffo posted a photo of himself undergoing treatment at the hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side
In March, Johnny began more chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side.
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 December 2022, Johnny endured another year of chemotherapy and revealed he was looking forward to taking some time off over Christmas to spend time with family.
Johnny won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor Australia in 2011
In March, the actor put on a brave face while undergoing chemotherapy, smiling and giving a thumbs up while sitting in a chair
“Another year of chemotherapy behind me. It wasn’t easy, but I did it,” he wrote at the time.
“I can’t wait to take a few weeks off over Christmas and spend some well-deserved time with my family.” #f**kcancer.’
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.
“You can only imagine how difficult it was for them,” he said on The Project.
“What goes through my mind a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it could be for them if something happened to me.”
“So, it’s something I don’t want to think about. “It just makes me a little emotional because I know that at some point something is going to happen, whether it’s a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years from now.”
Johnny told then-host Carrie Bickmore that he had already exceeded his life expectancy.
“It’s going to get to me at some point, but I’m still fighting.” It’s still going on. If you look at my diagnosis and my tumor, the average life expectancy is three years,” he said.
THERE’S MORE TO COME
In August 2022, Johnny confirmed that his brain tumor diagnosis was terminal and said he was afraid of how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope with his death