‘Charming, cheeky boy’: Johnny Ruffo dies, aged 35

The actor and singer, best known for his role on the hit soap opera Home and Away, has died following a six year battle with brain cancer.

Actor and singer Johnny Ruffo, best known for his role in Home and Away, has died age 35.

Australian actor Johnny Ruffo, best known for his role on the hit soap opera Home and Away, has died aged 35.

Ruffo died after a six year battle with brain cancer “surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family,” a statement shared to his Instagram post confirmed.

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

Actor Johnny Ruffo with his girlfriend Tahnee Sims. Picture: Instagram

Ruffo first revealed his diagnosis with brain cancer in 2017, after he underwent a surgery to remove a 7cm tumour from his frontal lobe. “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.”

In August of last year, Ruffo revealed that his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal. “At some point, it’s going to get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” he told The Project at the time.

Ruffo, who was born in the Perth suburb of Blacatta, worked as a concreter and played in the local Perth pop act Supernova before capturing the nation’s attention as a contestant on the third season of the TV competition show X-Factor in 2011. He was a finalist in the competition and went on to sign a record contract with Sony Music Australia. Ruffo released his debut single ‘On Top’ in June 2012, which peaked at number 14 on the ARIA singles charts that year.

He later went on to win the 13th season of Dancing With The Stars.

In 2013, he joined Home and Away, sharing the screen with future Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth. Initially slated for 16 episodes, Ruffo’s popularity secured a three-year extended contract.

The news of his passing triggered an outpouring of tributes from Australia’s television and music industry. Rugby league player Luke Burgess wrote that his death was “unbelievably sad”.

“What an incredible human. Sending all my love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family. My heart is with you guys.”

The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies, “Oh darling boy. Sending love all the who knew and loved you … There were so many.”

Spice Girl Mel B, a former host of X-Factor, wrote “Sending my sincere condolences.”