Home and Away player Johnny Ruffo fought until the end before losing his long battle with brain cancer on Friday morning.
The actor and singer died at the age of 35 in a Sydney hospital, with his family and partner Tahnee Simms by his side.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with the tragic news of his death, his last post was a heartbreaking collaboration video with partner Tahnee Sims in early August.
Praising his resilience, Tahnee (29) wrote: “Six years after diagnosis. What a warrior!’
The moving video began with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, punctuated by beautiful photos of the couple together.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with news of his death, Johnny Ruffo’s last post was a heartbreaking collaborative video with partner Tahnee Sims
At this point, Johnny’s Instagram post received an outpouring of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars as well as other celebrities.
“I love you both. Always in my prayers,” commented Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, while Ada Nicodemou said: “What a fighter.”
Former “Bachelor” star Anna Heinrich responded with love heart emojis, as did “Morning Show” co-host Kylie Gillies.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my husband,” added radio host Michael “Wippa” Wipfli.
In another heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo opened up about the reality of battling terminal cancer.
The moving video began with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, punctuated by beautiful photos of the couple together.
Praising his resilience, Tahnee (29) wrote: “Six years after diagnosis. What a warrior!’
He posted a photo of himself lying in a hospital chair undergoing chemotherapy.
“Back to reality,” he wrote in the caption.
That same month, he and Tahnee took a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.
The couple stayed in luxury accommodation and admired the beautiful sights of the seaside town.
They also enjoyed a thrilling helicopter ride during their winter vacation, their last before Ruffo’s tragic death.
At this point, Johnny’s Instagram post received a flood of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars as well as other celebrities
“I love you both. Always in my prayers,” commented Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, while Ada Nicodemou commented: “Such a fighter.”
The heartbreaking news of Ruffo’s death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” reads the statement.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny passed away peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors.
Former “Bachelor” star Anna Heinrich responded with love heart emojis, as did “Morning Show” co-host Kylie Gillies. “I couldn’t be prouder of my husband,” radio presenter Wippa added
In a heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo opened up about the reality of battling terminal cancer
“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy.” Johnny was very determined and strong. He fought to the end and as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul who still has so much to give.
“We all love you, Johnny, and will remember you for bringing so much joy to our lives. Rest in peace.’
Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after being hospitalized with painful migraines.
That same month, Johnny and Tahnee enjoyed a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand
In August that year he underwent emergency surgery and a 7cm brain tumor was surgically removed from his frontal lobe before undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Ruffo recovered months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but announced in November 2020 that the disease had returned.
In August 2022, he confirmed that his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal and said he was afraid of how his girlfriend Tahnee would deal with his death.
The couple stayed in luxury accommodation and admired the beautiful sights of the seaside town
In December 2022, Ruffo marked another year of his chemotherapy treatment and revealed that he was looking forward to taking time off over Christmas and spending time with family.
The actor put on a brave face, smiled and gave a thumbs up while sitting on a chair.
“Back in my favorite chair,” he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.
In March of this year, Ruffo began more chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing treatment in the hospital with his Tahnee by his side.
Tahnee and Johnny were all smiles as they enjoyed their winter wonderland vacation
They also enjoyed a thrilling helicopter ride during their winter vacation, their last before Ruffo’s tragic death
The actor underwent several rounds of treatment before losing his battle with the disease on Friday.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbiz career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Ruffo was the last contestant to be eliminated from the competition, which was eventually won by Reece Mastin.
A music career followed, during which Ruffo released several hit singles, including On Top and Take It Home.
However, he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
In 2020, he also appeared in this series’ soap rival Neighbours.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbiz career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
However, he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
