Johnny Ruffo’s heartbroken family share update on memorial service in Perth
The devastated family of beloved entertainer Johnny Ruffo have posted new details after the star’s death from cancer.
Entertainment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The heartbroken family of Johnny Ruffo have shared details about the memorial for the beloved entertainer after his death from brain cancer aged 35.
The star’s family took to his personal Instagram to reveal that a service will be held in Perth on Saturday, November 25.
“A memorial service to celebrate John’s incredible life will be held on November 25 in Perth, WA,” the message read, adding “more details” would follow.
Ruffo tragically passed away on Friday after a six-year battle with brain cancer surrounded by family and with longtime partner Tahnee Sims by his side.
The star was a jack of all trades – a singer, songwriter, actor and television presenter whose loveable larrikin personality endeared him to Australians.
Born in Perth in 1988, he decided he wanted to pursue a musical career when he was 12, inspired by Michael Jackson, teaching himself to play piano and guitar and writing his first songs when he was 14.
He burst onto the national stage in 2011 when he competed on the third season of the X Factor, finishing third behind winner Reece Mastin and runner-up Andrew Wishart.
While he didn’t win, Ruffo’s personality and popularity on the show saw him offered a recording deal with Sony Music who had first option on the show’s talent.
Ruffo would become closer friends with his X Factor mentor and Sony labelmate Guy Sebastian, helping him to renovate the pop superstar’s holiday home on the NSW south coast. Sebastian paid tribute to him saying: “The funniest bloke and such a kind soul. Generous and talented, surrounded by beautiful family, mates and supported by a true soul mate right to the end. You lit up my life every time I saw you and I only wish I saw you more. RIP, JR.”
His debut single On Top was released in June 2012 and while it peaked at No.14 on the ARIA charts, would go on to reach platinum sales of more than 70,000 copies in the digital download era.
The follow-up single Take It Home reached the top 30 and achieved gold status with sales of more than 35,000 copies.
The Seven Network spotted his potential as a television star, firstly booking him to perform in the 12th season of Dancing With The Stars in 2012, which he won with partner Luda Kroitor.
His star continued to rise that year with his association with Sony and engaging on-stage presence landing him a coveted spot opening for British boy band One Direction on their first headlining tour of Australia.
Seven then decided to test his acting chops by casting him in Home and Away in 2013 as Chris Harrington, a role he would play for three years.
Home and Away co-star Lynne McGranger paid tribute to her “friend”.
“He was our friend and we loved him. But more than that he was a beloved son to Jill, a soulmate to his darling Tahnee, a brother to Michael , a cousin, and a precious grandson to his dearest Nonna,” McGranger wrote on Instagram.
“He fought like a warrior and was brave and cheeky to the end. Talented, funny, loyal and naughty - we love you my friend. Fly high free from pain. You are missed”
Ruffo, who was a natural clown who would spend time with fans and respected for the way he treated people on television sets and in recording studios.
“I am proud of where I am from. I love what I do and who I work with,” he said.
“Even now, I still see the X Factor people and catch up with them.
“What people don’t understand is there is more to being an artist than the artist themselves and I make it a point to get to know all those people who help you record an album or film a TV show.
“If it wasn’t for all of them, you couldn’t do what you do.”
Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Entertainment Programming, Angus Ross said: “Seven is deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny Ruffo. The talented and charismatic performer was born to entertain and brought joy to the lives of so many on and off the screen. His infectious energy and big heart will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. We pass on our heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s partner, family and friends.”
Ruffo continued to focus on his acting career, landing a role in the Nine mini-series House of Bond and cutting ties with Sony to become an independent recording artist.
But in 2017, his career was brought to a shattering halt when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour after going to hospital emergency with what he thought was a severe migraine.
After surgery, he underwent an aggressive round of treatment and felt well enough in 2019, when scans showed he was “currently clear of cancer” to record an emotional new single called Broken Glass.
“This song is probably the most vulnerable song I’ve written. It’s very personal for me. It’s loosely about my experiences in the past two or three years – and about being down and out – not necessarily about cancer, but about anything like depression or losing a loved one,” Ruffo said.
Ruffo received the devastating news the cancer had returned in 2020 after he suffered seizures and with his devoted partner Tahnee Sims by his side, he again underwent treatment, sharing updates with his legion of fans and wellwishers.
But last year he revealed the cancer was terminal.
“It was fairly devastating. It’s terminal cancer so at some point it’s going to get me, but I’m still fighting. Still kicking on. Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour and it’s like the average life expectancy is three years. For me, it’s now five years so I’m already winning,” he said.
Ruffo’s death was confirmed on Instagram on Friday with a statement that 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 and 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.”
The Wiggles’ John Pearce was among the first to pay their respects.
“Awww no! Such a talented soul! You will be missed,” Pearce said.
Jason Owen, an X Factor runner up and Golden Guitar Nominee, said: “You will be missed mate. A true fighter, gentleman and a great friend to us all. Thank you for the bravery, courage and support you gave me and many others. We love you Johnny rest in peace mate ♥️ Sending love to Tahnee and all of Johnny’s family.”
Natalie Bassingthwaighte wrote: “Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love”.
Former Home & Away star Sarah Roberts wrote: “So devastatingly sad. My heart is absolutely broken Life just isn’t fair. @johnny_ruffo you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us. I’m sending all my love to Johnny’s family, dear friends & beautiful Tahnee.”
Another ex-Home & Away star Tai Hara also said: “Love you mate.”
Wolfe Brothers music duo paid tribute saying: “ What a great man. Felt honoured to spend sometime with ya Johnny! Fly high mate.”
Rubgy player Luke Burgess said: “This is unbelievably sad. What an incredible human. Sending all my love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family. My heart is with you guys.”
Former Spice Girl Mel B posted: “Sending my sincere condolences.”
Radio host and AFL great Brendan Fevola said: “This is so Sad. RIP great man. Lots of fun memories together xx”
Rock legend Brian Mannix said Ruffo was “a generous, funny, talented, great bloke”.
So very sad to hear of the passing of my good mate Johnny Ruffo. He was a generous, funny, talented, great bloke. Possibly the most optimistic person I’ve ever met. Great singer, dancer and friend who loved the Bombers even more than me. Wish I had a better photo of us. RIP mate! pic.twitter.com/3YobBYYz2P
— Brian Mannix (@mannixbrian) November 10, 2023
Singer Nathaniel, who was eighth contestant eliminated on the fourth season of The X Factor Australia, said: “You will be missed dearly mate. My heart is sore. Love ya.”
Seven star Kylie Gillies wrote: “Oh darling boy. xx Sending love to all who knew and loved you. And there are so many.”
Actor Nick Giannopoulos wrote: “Johnny you were one of the bravest souls I’ve ever met. Always with a smile on your face & a positive attitude. You helped give courage & strength to so many all over the world. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald said: “Shattered. An absolute beacon of positivity. Johnny walked into any room and put a smile on everybody’s face. Gonna miss ya brother, watch over us.”
TV and radio host Angie Kent said: “Oh this is such heartbreaking news to hear. What a beautiful soul who showed so much strength all the way to the end. So much love to his family, partner and friends. Rest easy now sweet man.”
Former Home & Away star and TV presenter Holly Brisley added: “I’m so very sorry to read this. My most heartfelt condolences. He was a good one! Most definitely gone too soon.”
Emma Memma also wrote in saying: “So tragic – you will be missed Johnny.”
Former Home & Away star Christie Hayes wrote: “No!!!!! devastated to hear this. Rest in peace Johnny xxx.”
“Absolutely shattered!”, singer Fely Irvine wrote.
Comedian, TV and radio personality Dave Hughes wrote: “A star has moved to the next world. Go well Johnny.”
In 2022, the beloved star told News Corp that he was not afraid of dying, but of doing it alone.
“I’m not scared to die but I’m more scared for the people – I’m scared that my brother, mum or dad or Tahnee won’t be here with me. There is no way family will all be here – the likelihood of that is (slim) – that would be ideal if everyone was there with you,” Ruffo said.
He also said he was grateful to have his partner Tahnee by his side, explaining that they were both living the cancer battle.
“We have cancer – she is living with it as much as I am. She is here with me every step of the way,” Ruffo said.
“So very grateful that I have her by my side. I don’t know what I would do without her. I genuinely don't – she’s my guardian angel.
“She’s just everything and more. I don’t know how I would be this far without her, she is absolutely everything for me.”
During that same interview, Ruffo revealed he made some good friends through his cancer journey, including a man from regional NSW.
He said a man, who he did not want to name for privacy reasons, reached out to him on social media. The man had been in remission for 15 years when his cancer returned.
“I almost broke down. The thought of what he had to go through. I was in remission for 11 months and I found it extremely difficult when my cancer came back — it was heartbreaking.
“It’s such a mental burden (being in remission). The (cancer) battle is up hill. It’s horrible — the most horrible thing.”
Originally published as Johnny Ruffo’s heartbroken family share update on memorial service in Perth
Join the conversation
‘Arrest her’: Lidia Thorpe in police tussle at royals protest
Renegade Senator Lidia Thorpe has been involved in a scuffle with a police officer during an anti-royals protest in Canberra.
Read more
Liam’s text to ex before death revealed
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend, who he dated from 2010 to 2013, shared her grief over his death while revealing the last text he sent her just weeks ago.
Read more