Johnny Ruffo’s Home and Away co-stars have paid an emotional tribute to the actor after he died aged 35 on Friday morning following a long battle with brain cancer.
Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Simms by his side.
Stars of the long-running soap and several other Aussie celebrities honoured the ‘incredibly kind and brave’ actor in heartfelt statements alongside an Instagram post announcing his death.
Harley Bonner, who starred as Logan Bennet on the show in 2021 and 2022, wrote: ‘Love to you and your loved ones, mate.’
David Jones-Roberts, who starred alongside Ruffo on the soap as Xavier Austin, added, ‘RIP brother. Much love.’
Johnny Ruffo’s Home and Away co-stars have paid an emotional tribute to the actor after he died aged 35 on Friday morning following a long battle with brain cancer
Lisa Gormley, also a longtime co-star said Ruffo brought joy to the set of the show.
‘Heartbreaking. Love you, Johnny. Thank you for your joy,’ she wrote.
Sarah Roberts, who starred on Home and Away after Johnny left the drama, wrote: ‘So devastatingly sad. My heart is absolutely broken. Life just isn’t fair. Johnny you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us. I’m sending all my love to Johnny’s family, dear friends and beautiful Tahnee.’
Singing sensation and former Home and Away legend Natalie Bassingthwaighte added: ‘Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love.’
Soap actor Holly Brisley said: ‘I’m so very sorry to read this. My most heartfelt condolences. He was a good one! Most definitely gone too soon.’
Meanwhile, former Bachelorette Georgia Love sent her love to his partner Taheee and his family.
‘I’m so incredibly sad to hear this. Huge love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family,’ she wrote.
Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Simms by his side
The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies added: ‘Oh darling boy. Sending love to all who knew and loved you. And there are so many.’
Gogglebox star Angie Kent said: ‘Oh this is such heartbreaking news to hear. What a beautiful soul who showed so much strength all the way to the end. So much love to his family, partner and friends. Rest easy now sweet man.’
The Bachelor star Alex Nation commented: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Condolences to Johnny’s loved ones.’
Meanwhile, PR queen Roxy Jacenko noted Ruffo’s long and hard fight with the disease.
‘Heartbreaking. Sending love and thoughts. You fought so hard darling,’ she said.
Stars of the long-running soap and several other Aussie celebrities honoured the ‘incredibly kind and brave’ actor in heartfelt statements alongside an Instagram post announcing his death
Footy star Luke Burgess said: ‘This is unbelievably sad. What an incredible human. Sending all my love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family. My heart is with you guys.’
Luke’s brother George also left a tribute, writing: ‘Rest in Peace. Always positive throughout his illness and an inspiration to others suffering. Such a terrible loss, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.’
Real Housewives of Sydney star Sally Obermeder said: ‘My heart is broken. We loved you so much. Thinking of your family and all who loved you.’
Elsewhere, entertainer Rhonda Burchmore wrote, ‘This breaks my heart,’ while singer Ricki-Lee Coulter echoed the sentiment with a series of broken heart emojis.
Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines. Pictured with partner Tahnee
Nova FM star Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald said he was ‘shattered’ by the loss of Johnny who was ‘an absolute beacon of positivity’.
Comedian Dave Hughes added: ‘A star has moved to the next world. Go well Johnny.’
Meanwhile, AFL star Abbey Holmes wrote: ‘Oh Johnny. Our hearts break. Sending so much love to friends and family. You sure did put up one hell of a fight! Rest easy.’
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Johnny’s showbusiness career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
The actor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved wife Tahnee Sims by his side
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Johnny was the last contestant eliminated in the competition, which was ultimately won by Reece Mastin.
A music career followed, with Johnny 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 soap rival Neighbours in 2020.
Johnny won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor Australia in 2011
READ MORE: Johnny Ruffo recalls the day he was first told he had brain cancer and says he was angry about the diagnosis: ‘I was p**sed off’
The actor is best known for playing Chris Harrington on the Seven Soap from 2013 to 2016
Johnny 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.
The former X Factor star went on to praise his partner Tahnee and referred to her as his ‘guardian angel’ and said he doesn’t know what he would do without her.
Johnny went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but revealed in November 2021 the disease had returned.
Earlier this year, Ruffo posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side
