The actor and singer passed away at a Sydney hospital after a long battle with brain cancer, his agent confirmed.
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He “went away peacefully” surrounded by his partner Tahnee and other family members today.
Ruffo made his first appearance as character Chris Harrington in popular Australian soap Home And Away in 2013, two years after appearing in the final of X Factor Australia.
A statement shared to the star’s Instagram account 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.”
In August 2017, Ruffo announced that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and was starting “aggressive treatment”.
He entered remission after surgery but the brutal disease returned in 2021.
In August, Ruffo’s girlfriend Tahnee shared a heartwarming tribute to mark his sixth year fighting cancer.
Sims gushed: “Six years on from diagnosis. What a fighter!”
Ruffo shared glimpses into his health journey on his own Instagram page, including pics from his chemotherapy treatment.
He had a tumour removed from his skull after doctors noticed an abnormality when he went to see them with a migraine.
Ruffo found fame through his talent for singing after coming third on The X Factor Australia in 2011.
He then joined Home And Away in 2013 where he remained until May 2016, following the announcement: “I’ve loved my time in Summer Bay.
“There’s a lot more coming up for Chris and I hope fans continue enjoying his time on screen.”
Johnny also won the Aussie version of Strictly in 2012, and his most recent single release was She Got That O in 2015.
Big stars like Heath Ledger, Chris Hemsworth and Isla Fisher began their screen careers on Home And Away.
The show, set in a fictional town in New South Wales, began in 1988 and currently airs in the UK on Channel 5.
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