Celebrity friends are bidding farewell to Australian singer Johnny Ruffo after his death was announced today. He was 35 years old.
“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” read a statement posted on his Instagram account.
“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.”
Celebrities from Australia and around the world paid tribute to the young singer, who has been vocal about his five-year battle with cancer.
Aussie country singer Jason Owen responded to the post in a comment, “You will be missed mate. A true fighter, gentleman and a great friend to us all. Thank you for the bravery, courage and support you gave me and many others. We love you Johnny rest in peace mate ♥️ Sending love to Tahnee and all of Johnny’s family.”
Spice Girl Mel B said her “heart just broke,” upon hearing the news. “Sending my sincere condolences,” she wished the family.
Aussie singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte was also shocked, writing, “Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love.”
Neighbours star Jiordy wrote, “Devastating news. You fought such an honourable fight – an inspiration to so many. Sending so much love to the family.”
Ruffo began his career on X-Factor Australia and Dancing With The Stars, before his career hit the big time, signing a recording contract and serving as the opening act for bands like One Direction and the Backstreet Boys.
Then he turned to acting, portraying everyone’s favourite, Chris Harrington, on Home and Away from 2013 to 2016.
He even picked up a Logie Award in 2014 for Most Popular New Talent after winning our hearts on the show.
Just a few years later, in 2017, he was diagnosed with brain cancer after a seven-centimetre-long brain tumour was removed from his head. In 2022, he confirmed his cancer was terminal.
As of March 2023, Ruffo revealed that he was still undergoing treatment for the cancer, five years on.