Who was Johnny Ruffo? Home and Away star who died after battle with cancer
JOHNNY Ruffo found fame starring in Home and Away.
However, he passed away after receiving devastating news he had brain cancer.
Who is Johnny Ruffo?
John “Johnny” Patrick Ruffo was born on March 8, 1988.
He was an Australian singer, songwriter, dancer, actor and television star.
He passed away at the age of 35 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
The heartthrob rose to fame through his talent for singing, inspired by idol Michael Jackson, after coming third on The X Factor Australia in 2011.
He then joined Home And Away in 2013 playing Chris Harrington before after winning the Aussie version of Dancing With The Stars in 2012.
His most recent single release was She Got That O in 2015.
When was Johnny Ruffo diagnosed with brain cancer?
Johnny was diagnosed with brain cancer a week after having emergency surgery to remove a tumour.
He asked his fans to stay positive as he began his “interesting journey” of treatment to battle the disease.
On August 10 Ruffo had a tumour removed from his skull after doctors noticed an abnormality when he went to see them with a migraine.
After his life-threatening op, he posted a pic from his hospital bed doing a thumbs up, and then posted close-up pics of the stitches on his head.
Further test results showed he needed a prolonged stint of “aggressive treatment” to tackle what doctors now recognise as brain cancer.
Announcing the news, Johnny wrote on Instagram: “It was a bit of a shock and I’ve got an interesting journey ahead and a bit of a battle.
“I am starting aggressive treatment for the next few months to fight the diagnosis of brain cancer.
“Please stay positive for me and ill try to update you guys on my progress xx.”
Was Johnny Ruffo married and did he have children?
Johnny was not married but he did have a girlfriend.
His partner Tahnee Sims was there when he passed away when he was 35.
A statement shared to the star’s Instagram account – believed to be from his family – read: “It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.
“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.”
What TV shows was Johnny Ruffo on?
As mentioned, Johnny found fame on Home And Away in 2013, but he also had quite the career away from this too.
He appeared on game show Slide Show in 2013 and Beauty and the Geek Australia in 2014.
The following year he was on Better Homes and Gardens as a celebrity guest and was on morning talk show Studio 10 in 2020.
He played the role of Dave King in House of Bond in 2017 and in 2020 he starred in Neighbours as Owen Campbell.
Johnny was also well-known for his music career as well.
Over the years he released multiple singles such as On Top, Take It Home, Untouchable, She Got That O, White Christmas and Broken Glass.
His most recent single was Let’s Get Lost which came out in 2021.
Johnny was the support act for One Direction back in 2012 for the Australian leg of their Up All Night Tour.
When it came to inspiration for his music, Johnny said it was Michael Jackson, Usher, and Justin Timberlake that influenced him the most.
He said these artists led him to combine his love for singing and dancing.