Heartbreaking footage of Johnny Ruffo performing at a Christmas charity event has emerged weeks after his death aged 35.
The X Factor finalist, who died of terminal brain cancer in November, recently appeared in Amazon Australia’s Christmas music video campaign to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
A clip from the performance shows the late “Home and Away” star performing a rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) on the xylophone alongside singer Budjerah and seven sick Starlight children.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the video was due to be released on November 14 – days after Ruffo’s death – but was withdrawn due to the tragedy.
However, Ruffo’s family and partner Tahnee Sims have since given permission to publish the video.
“Having been a part of this campaign for so many years, you would think I wouldn’t be surprised at what these kids can do, but they continue to amaze me with their creativity,” Ruffo had said, according to the publication.
“I was particularly excited to see the children in action in the music video as I am a singer myself. It was so incredible to see the joy it brought them.”
Amazon Australia has pledged to donate $1 up to $100,000 from every view of the video to the seriously ill children’s charity.
Heartbreaking footage of Johnny Ruffo performing at a Christmas charity event has emerged weeks after his death aged 35. Ruffo on the far right of the picture
The X Factor finalist, who died of terminal brain cancer in November, recently appeared in Amazon Australia’s Christmas music video campaign to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation
Ruffo died in a Sydney hospital on November 10 and the heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page
Ruffo died in a Sydney hospital on November 10 and the heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page.
“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 passed peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors.”
The actor died peacefully surrounded by his family and his beloved partner Tahnee Sims (left).
“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.
The actor is best known for his role as Chris Harrington on the Seven soap from 2013 to 2016 (pictured).
In 2020, he also appeared on the soap Neighbors
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
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.
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.
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 this year, Ruffo began undergoing more chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in the hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side.
Johnny opened up about his worries about how Tahnee would cope after his death in a heartbreaking interview on The Project last year.
“You can only imagine how difficult it was for her,” he told then-host Carrie Bickmore.
“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.”
Ruffo won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor Australia in 2011
Ruffo also told 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.
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.