After a fight with brain cancer, Australian singer and television personality Johnny Ruffo passed away at the age of 35.
Before transitioning to acting in the soap opera Home and Away, Ruffo gained notoriety on the reality competition X Factor Australia.
Following his 2017 diagnosis, he made a contribution to Australian initiatives to increase money for and public awareness of brain cancer.
In a message posted on his Instagram profile, his family stated he passed away on Friday, surrounded by loved ones.
“He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could,” it stated.
“Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.”
They also mentioned that he would be remembered as a “talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy”.
Mel B, a Spice Girl and former X Factor host, was one of many people who offered his family sympathy.
On Instagram, Dannii Minogue said, “The cheekiest chap.” Many will miss his voice, charm, and dancing feet.”
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Ruffo worked as a concreter before becoming well-known in 2011 during the third season of X Factor.
Later, he won a season of Dancing with the Stars, put out multiple songs, and spent three years starring as Chris Harrington on Home and Away.
Following his diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo took a hiatus from his career. He went into remission following two years of treatment, but in 2020, the cancer came back.
Ruffo disclosed last year in an interview that his prognosis had become terminal.
“After researching my tumor and diagnosis, I discovered that the typical life expectancy was only three years. I’ve been winning for the past five years, so to speak,” he said to Channel 10.
“It will eventually catch up to me… Right now, I want to attempt to assist as many individuals as I can.
Tahnee Sims, his partner, survives him.
