On Friday, Australian actor and singer Johnny Ruffo passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was 35.
With the news announced on Ruffo’s Instagram page, a statement read “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.”
Following his appearance on the 2011 season of The X Factor, Ruffo went on to win the 2012 season of Dancing With The Stars, before appearing on Home and Away for three and a half years in the role of Chris Harrington.
Seven’s chief content officer, entertainment programming, Angus Ross said: “Seven is deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny Ruffo. The talented and charismatic performer was born to entertain and brought joy to the lives of so many on and off the screen. His infectious energy and big heart will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. We pass on our heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s partner, family and friends.”
Other tributes have come in from Ruffo’s former Home and Away co-stars, including Penny McNamee who wrote that “He was instantly warm and funny and self-deprecating. What joy he brought to the world. Sending all my love to Tanner and Johnny’s family and friends.”
Georgie Parker wrote that Ruffo was “truly one in a million, funny, bright and such a hard worker. It’s ridiculously cruel that he’s no longer here. Rest up now Johnny.”
Elsewhere in the industry, Danii Minogue called Ruffo “the cheekiest chap. His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many.”
Nova’s Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald posted that he was “shattered” by the news, and that Rffo was “An absolute beacon of positivity. Johnny walked into any room and put a smile on everybody’s face.”