Australian TV Star and Singer Johnny Ruffo Passes Away at 35 After Brave Battle with Brain Cancer
Sydney, Nov 10: Australia mourns the loss of beloved television star and singer Johnny Ruffo, who passed away at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Ruffo, known for his rise to fame on X Factor Australia and his acting stint on Home and Away, had been a prominent figure in the Australian entertainment industry.
Ruffo’s family announced his passing on his Instagram page, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and acknowledging his valiant fight against the disease. The statement read, “He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.”
The Perth-born talent initially gained recognition on the third season of X Factor Australia in 2011, showcasing not only his vocal prowess but also his charismatic personality. Transitioning to acting, Ruffo portrayed the character Chris Harrington on the popular soap opera Home and Away for three years.
In 2017, Ruffo received a life-altering diagnosis of brain cancer, prompting him to redirect his energy towards raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in Australia. Despite entering remission after two years of treatment, the cancer returned in 2020, leading to a terminal prognosis.
Numerous celebrities and colleagues paid tribute to Ruffo, with former X Factor host Mel B and singer Dannii Minogue expressing their condolences. Minogue remembered Ruffo as “the cheekiest chap,” emphasizing the impact of his voice, smile, and dancing feet on those who knew him.
In an interview last year, Ruffo reflected on his journey, acknowledging the terminal nature of his diagnosis. Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic, stating, “My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can.”
Johnny Ruffo is survived by his partner Tahnee Sims, and his legacy as a talented and resilient entertainer will continue to resonate within the hearts of his fans and the Australian entertainment community.