Dannii Minogue pays tribute to Home and Away’s Johnny Ruffo after his death aged 35: ‘He will be missed by so many’
Tributes have poured in for Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo, who has died at the age of 35 following a battle with brain cancer.
The actor, who played Chris Harrington on the long-running soap from 2013 to 2016, died ‘peacefully’ on Friday morning at a hospital in Sydney, Australia with his family and partner Tahnee by his side.
‘It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,’ read a statement shared on his Instagram page.
‘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.’
In the wake of the sad news, many Home and Away and Neighbours stars paid tribute in the comment section of the post.
Dannii Minogue, who rose to fame on Home and Away, wrote: ‘The cheekiest chap. His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many. Thinking of his family in this heart breaking time.’
Georgie Parker, who plays Roo Stewart, commented: ‘Sending love to Johnnys family, friends and loved ones. He 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’.
Penny McNamee, who played Tori on the show, said: ‘Oh Johnny. He was the first cast member I ever met on @homeandaway and he was instantly warm, funny and self-deprecating.
‘What joy he brought to the world. Sending all my love to Tahnee, and all Johnny’s family and friends.’
Lynne McGranger, who plays the beating heart of Summer Bay Irene Roberts, posted a separate tribute, in which she branded Johnny a ‘warrior’.
‘He was our friend and we loved him,’ wrote the legendary soap star with a picture of she and Johnny sharing a hug. ‘But more than that he was a beloved son to Jill, a soulmate to his darling Tahnee, a brother to Michael , a cousin, and a precious grandson to his dearest Nonna.
‘He fought like a warrior and was brave and cheeky to the end. Talented, funny, loyal and naughty – we love you my friend. Fly high free from pain. You are missed.’
Jasmine Delaney star Samantha Frost commented on Lynne’s post, writing: ‘Oh Lynnie, I thought of you as soon as I heard the news. Lots of love to you x..
Neighbours star Ben Turland, who played Home and Away’s Jordan Walsh for 11 episodes, branded Johnny a ‘gem’ in a heartfelt post, writing: ‘I remember sitting in the greenroom on my first day at Home and Away when I was 17, absolutely s****ing myself.
‘[Johnny] introduced himself and then offered to have lunch with me and help me with my scenes. The kindest man’.
Johnny was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after going to hospital with painful migraines, and that summer he was rushed to surgery to have a 7cm brain tumour removed from his frontal lobe.
He then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and went into remission months after the diagnosis, but he revealed in November 2020 that the disease had returned. In August last year, he confirmed the brain cancer diagnosis was terminal.
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