Loved Australian performer Johnny Ruffo passed away at the age of 35 after a six-year fight with brain cancer.
On Friday, November 10, 2023, at around noon, his distraught loved ones communicated the terrible news to his fans on social media.
“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” the message said.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.”
He was a lovely, gifted, and somewhat impish youngster. Johnny had a strong will and was highly determined. He fought valiantly and determinedly through to the very end. A lovely spirit with so much more to offer.”
“Johnny, we adore you and will always be grateful for the happiness you brought into our lives. Feel at ease. ❤️”
The Australian singer rose to prominence after placing as a finalist on The X Factor Australia’s third season in 2011. He went on to create a number of successful singles, such as “On Top” and “Take it Home.”
After that, in 2012, he participated in and won Dancing with the Stars. He then began his acting career as Chris Harrington, a role he played for three years on the popular Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away.
The beloved performer disclosed to his fans in 2017 that he had received a brain cancer diagnosis and had undergone surgery to remove the tumour.
When Johnny’s cancer was finally declared to be in remission two years later, he was overjoyed to share the good news with his friends and family, calling that day the “greatest” of his life.
Regretfully, the cancer reappeared in November 2020, and in August 2022, Johnny revealed in a tearful interview with Carrie Bickmore on The Project that it was now terminal.
“I discovered that the average life expectancy for my diagnosis and cancer was three years. It’s been five years for me, too,” Johnny revealed at the time.
“I’ve already triumphed. My current objectives are to attempt to live a happy life and assist as many people as I can.”
The remarkable Australian published his autobiography, No Finish Line, in the same month. It is an homage to his unwavering struggle and determination to live.
“I understand that the cancer is terminal, but I’m going to do everything I can and I am currently doing everything I can to kick its a**,” he stated.
To the joy of his countless fans around the nation, Johnny made a special appearance back on the Dancing with the Stars stage that same year.
After learning of the tragic news, friends, family, and fans went to social media to pay their respects and share their sympathies with the adored entertainer.
“Oh, sweetheart boy. xx ❤️ Love to all those who knew and felt you. And there are a tonne of them. 💔,” Kylie Gillies, host of The Morning Show, commented.
“A complete ray of sunshine, broken.” As Johnny entered a room, he instantly made everyone smile. I’m going to miss you, brother. Keep an eye on us ❤️❤️,” wrote radio host Fitzy.
A 🌼 has transitioned to the next realm. “I hope you do well, Johnny ❤️,” comedian Dave Hughes said.
“So incredibly depressing. My heart is completely shattered 💔 🥹 Life is inherently unfair. We shall all continue to find inspiration in you, @johnny_ruffo. My deepest sympathies go out to Johnny’s family, close friends, and stunning Tahnee ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” Actress Sarah Roberts of Home and Away wrote, while Georgie Parker, her co-star, shared a tribute of her own:
“My condolences to Johnny’s friends, family, and loved ones. He was witty, intelligent, and an extremely hard worker—truly a one-in-a-million. The fact that he’s gone is absurdly harsh. Now go rest, Johnny. 💜💜”
“My God. What a remarkable person. Singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte also said, “Sending so much love ❤️🙏🏻,” and Jules Sebastian added that Johnny was a “beautiful soul”: delighted everyone in his path. Johnny, we will miss your brightness ❤️❤️,” she remarked.
“It was devastating to learn this news. What a lovely spirit that persevered to the very end with such strength. Huge love to his friends, partner, and family. “Now, sweet man, rest easy❤️,” Angie Kent remarked.
We will all miss you, brave, strong, resilient, and a fighter to the very end. Johnny, go to sleep. 😊 Casey Donovan posted, “Love, thoughts, and condolences to his partner, family, and friends.”
Sam Mac, the sunrise weatherman, expressed his shock as well, saying, “This doesn’t feel real. You were such a champion both on and off the stage. I appreciate all of the laughs, Johnny. You accomplished everything in 35 years, and your perseverance and ethics to the very end were great strengths. Good luck, buddy. 💙”
“The cheekiest chap,” wrote Dannii Minogue, “so many will miss his voice, smile, and dancing feet.” Considering his family during this difficult moment.”
“Sending love to Johnny’s family, friends, and loved ones,” Georgie Parker said in her message. He was hilarious, intelligent, and really diligent—truly a one-in-a-million. The fact that he’s gone is absurdly harsh. Now go, Johnny.💙💙”
A typical Aussie larrikin with a golden heart, Johnny is our wonderful friend, as actress Ada Nicodemou said in her post about him on Home and Away. May you rest in peace, my friend. You fought valiantly until the very end.💔🙏🏼”
“My thoughts and prayers are with Tahnee and his family; she is the bravest and strongest lady I have ever met. John 💔🙏🏼🕺🏻” I will never forget the giggles and our mutual love of Michael Jackson music.
Actress Lynne McGranger of Home and Away also paid a heartfelt homage to Johnny, saying, “He was our friend and we loved him.” But above all, he was Michael’s brother, Jill’s cherished son, Tahnee’s soulmate, a cousin, and his dearest Nonna’s priceless grandson, according to Lynne.
“He battled valiantly and with a mischievous demeanour to the very end. We adore you, my friend; you are gifted, witty, devoted, and mischievous. Fly high, pain-free. We miss you.”
“I was fortunate enough to get to know Johnny over the years, and I really wanted to pay tribute to his incredible life,” Carrie Bickmore said in her tribute to him on the Carrie and Tommy Show.
“You’ve left this world better than you found it,” she said.
“We were all moved by his bravery in the face of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. And what kept his light shining bright was his love for his family.”
