Carrie Bickmore honors Johnny Ruffo with a heartfelt tribute after his passing at 35

Carrie Bickmore delivered a touching tribute to Johnny Ruffo following his death from brain cancer.

The radio host, 42, interviewed Ruffo in August last year on The Project in his last television appearance, where he openly discussed his health struggles at that time.

On her 2DayFM radio show on Friday, Bickmore paused to honour Ruffo, reflecting on his ‘incredible’ and ‘inspiring’ approach to life.

‘I was fortunate enough to get to know Johnny over the years and I really wanted to pay tribute to his incredible life,’ she said.

‘Johnny Ruffo’s bright light shone across our screens and into our hearts, from his electric presence on X Factor, to opening stages for iconic bands like One Direction and the Backstreet Boys, and winning us over as Chris Harrington on Home and Away.’

She went on to say that Johnny brought a lot of joy to many people and that his spirit endured even as he battled through his terminal cancer. 

‘His courage in the face of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis inspired us all. And it was the love for his family that kept his light burning bright.’

‘His vulnerability in sharing his fears about leaving his girlfriend and incredible support, Tahnee Sims broke our hearts. Johnny shared his journey with us, not for sympathy but to light the way for others in the dark,’ Bickmore declared.

The podcaster also encouraged her listeners to delve into Ruffo’s memoir, describing it as a ‘message of hope’ and particularly poignant for those in need of inspiration. 

‘His book, No Finish Line, isn’t just a memoir, it’s a message of hope and a call to live life to the fullest. Johnny once said, he was already winning – and he was right,’ she added.

‘Johnny Ruffo, your legacy will continue to inspire. May you rest in peace, knowing that even at just 35 years of age, you’ve left this world better than you found it,’ Carrie concluded her tribute.

The heartbreaking news of Ruffo’s passing was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.

‘It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,’ 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.

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

Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines.

In August that year, he was rushed to surgery and had a 7cm brain tumour surgically removed from his frontal lobe, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ruffo went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but revealed in November 2020 the disease had returned.

In August 2022, he confirmed his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal and said he feared how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope once he was gone.

Ruffo marked another year of undergoing chemotherapy in December 2022, and revealed he was looking forward to having a break and spending time with family over Christmas. 

The actor put on a brave face, smiling and giving the thumbs up while he sat in a chair.

‘Back in my favourite chair,’ he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.

In March this year, Ruffo started another round of chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his Tahnee by his side.

The actor went through several rounds of treatment before losing his battle with the disease on Friday. 

Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbusiness 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 eliminated in the competition, which was ultimately won by Reece Mastin.

A music career followed, with Ruffo releasing several hit singles including On Top and Take It Home.

But he is perhaps best known for starring as fan favourite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.

He also appeared on that show’s soap rival Neighbours in 2020.