Australian singer and actor Johnny Ruffo dead aged 35

Figures across the entertainment industry have paid emotional tribute to Johnny Ruffo, who died aged 35 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Australian singer and actor Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35.

The former Home and Away star had suffered a long battle with brain cancer. His heartbroken family announced the tragic news on Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” a statement posted on Ruffo’s official Instagram account read.

“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.”

Actor Johnny Ruffo has died after a battle with terminal brain cancer. Picture: Instagram

Ruffo with his partner Tahnee Sims.

Thousands of people, including many from the entertainment industry, have expressed their sadness following Ruffo’s passing, flooding the comment section of the post on his page.

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who was a judge on Ruffo’s season of The X Factor, simply wrote, “My heart just broke.”

Meanwhile, Danni Minogue described Ruffo as the “cheekiest chap”.

“His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many,” the Australian singer added.

Comedian David Hughes said, “A star has moved to the next world. Go well Johnny.”

“Oh darling boy,” TV presenter Kylie Gillies began. “Sending love to all who knew you and loved you. And there are so many.”

Radio host Ryan Fitzgerald wrote, “Shattered. An absolute beacon of positivity. Johnny walked into any room and put a smile on everybody’s face.”

Australian singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte posted her own tribute to Ruffo, writing, “Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love.”

Ruffo, who was born in Perth, Western Australia, shot to fame on the 2011 season of The X Factor, in which he placed third.

Ruffo was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017.

He went on to land a role in Channel 7 soap Home and Away in 2013, playing Chris Harrington, before leaving the series in 2016.

Ruffo first revealed his health struggle in August 2017, saying he had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour. A week later, he announced he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and would be starting aggressive treatment.

Some positive news came in 2019, when Ruffo said he had been cleared of cancer. He went on to release his first single in four years, which was titled Broken Glass.

But then came news in November 2020 the cancer had returned.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, though I will dig deep and beat this s*** disease again #f*ckcancer,” Ruffo wrote on social media at the time.

Ruffo shot to fame on the 2011 season of The X Factor.

Speaking to The Project’s then host Carrie Bickmore in August last year, Ruffo delivered a sad update in his battle: His cancer was terminal.

“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” he said.

“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me it’s now been five years. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can and also live a happy life.”

At the time, Ruffo was promoting the release of his new memoir, No Finish Line, which detailed his cancer battle.

He has largely retreated from the public eye since, and last shared an update with his 260,000 Instagram fans in July as he sought further treatment.

Ruffo’s long-term girlfriend, Tahnee Sims, described him as a “fighter” in a video posted to her Instagram account in August, marking six years since the singer was first diagnosed.