Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35 following cancer diagnosis

Home and Away actor Johnny Ruffo has died aged 35 after being diagnosed with cancer.

The beloved actor and singer passed away at a hospital in Sydney on Friday (10 November) six years after he was given a brain cancer diagnosis in 2017.

Ruffo ‘went away peacefully’ surrounded by his partner Tahnee and other family members.

Channel 5

A statement shared on the his instagram account from his loved ones reads: “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.

@johnny_ruffo/Instagram

“We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy.”

Ruffo announced he had undergone surgery to have a brain tumour removed in August 2017 after he went to the hospital suffering from a migraine. He posted photos on his social media accounts after the surgery asking fans to ‘keep him in their thoughts’. Just one week later, Ruffo confirmed that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and would begin aggressive treatment as soon as possible.

@johnny_ruffo/Instagram

During a radio interview with Fitzy & Wippa in May 2019, Ruffo said he was ‘currently clear of cancer’.

However in November 2020, Ruffo announced via Instagram that his brain cancer had returned.

Fans and friends are now sharing tributes to Ruffo on Instagram. Jessica Grace Smith wrote: “Such a funny, naughty man. Sending so much love to @tahneesims and fam, heartbroken.”

Natalie Bassingthwaighte commented: “Oh my. What an incredible human . Sending so much love.”

Spice Girls singer Mel B shared: “My heart just broke.”

Dan Ewing penned: “The cheekiest most fun bloke I’ve had the privilege to know. Rest in peace mate.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week

Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity

Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the '90s and prefers tea over coffee.