Aussie Singer & Actor Johnny Ruffo Passes Away, Aged 35

Singer and actor Johnny Ruffo has passed away at the age of 35 following a battle with brain cancer.

Ruffo, best known for his appearance as Chris Harrington on Home And Away, performances on The X-Factor Australia, and songs such as Broken Glass, On Top, Take It Home, and more, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2017.

Two years later, the beloved Australian artist shared that his cancer was in remission. The bad news arrived in November 2020, though, with Ruffo revealing that his cancer had returned.

News of his death was shared on Ruffo’s Instagram page this afternoon. “It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” a statement for the singer and actor reads.

“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.”

The statement continued, “He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. 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.

“We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.

“Rest easy”.

In a 7News Spotlight that aired earlier this year, Guy Sebastian, Ruffo’s coach on the 2011 season of The X-Factor, said that the news of Ruffo’s diagnosis was “hard to stomach”.

“I knew if anyone was going to fight hard, it would be Johnny. He is a fighter, and he'd never been one to take no for an answer,” Sebastian said. “But this was a battle I don't think anyone could've really prepared him for.”

Last year, Ruffo released a book about his experience with cancer, and a memoir of his life called No Finish Line.

Tributes have already begun pouring in for Ruffo from former X-Factor Australia judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte, runner-up Jason Owen, country star Casey Barnes, and more.

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