Johnny Ruffo, the actor and singer known to millions as Home and Away's Chris Harrington, has died aged 35 after a second brain tumour diagnosis. He passed away in November 2023, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Ruffo first found widespread fame on Australia's The X Factor, where he was the last contestant eliminated. He went on to have several hit singles in his native Australia, including On Top and Take It Home.
From Dancing With The Stars to Summer Bay
His dancing skills were tested on Dancing With The Stars, the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing, which he won. Then came his big acting break when he was cast as Chris in the iconic soap.
Known as a bit of a Romeo in Summer Bay, Chris embarked on several relationships, but his best-loved partnership was his comedy friendship with long-running character Irene Roberts. Ruffo stayed in the role from 2013 until 2016, when he left to pursue other acting roles, including the miniseries House of Bond.
Brain tumour diagnosis and surgery
Just 12 months after leaving the show, Ruffo was given the devastating news he had a brain tumour after suffering from a migraine. He had surgery at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where doctors were able to remove 95 percent of the tumour.
At the time, Ruffo said: "Without the operation, there was a 100 per cent certainty I would have died because of the pressure on my brain. The other five per cent was too close to nerve endings to get it out. If they had tried and something went wrong, it could potentially have caused paralysis all down the left side of my body."
He added: "I was talking garbage, even worse than usual. But within days I was back to being myself again. I felt a lot better, lighter. I was confident, I was just sure it was all fine."
Cancer returns and terminal diagnosis
Following treatment, Ruffo was told his tumour was in remission and returned to releasing music with his first single in four years, Broken Glass, released in 2019. Just a year later, he was given the news his cancer returned and once again underwent treatment, which appeared to be successful.
He released another single, Let's Get Lost, and his life seemed to be getting back on track. But then, in August 2022, he was forced to share devastating news with fans. His tumour was back and this time it was terminal. It was the same month he released his memoir, No Finish Line.
In an emotional statement on social media, Ruffo said: "It was a bit of a shock and I've got an interesting journey ahead and a bit of a battle. I am starting aggressive treatment for the next few months to fight the diagnosis of brain cancer. Please stay positive for me and I'll try to update you guys on my progress."
In an interview following his diagnosis, Ruffo added: "Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour and... the average life expectancy was three years. For me its now been five years, so I'm already winning. At some point it is going to get me... My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can."
Tributes from co-stars and family
His wish was to survive until Christmas, which he thankfully managed, before he passed away in November 2023. He was just 35.
Ruffo's family issued a poignant statement following his death. It said: "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."
Spice Girl Mel B was among the first to pay tribute. She wrote on social media: "My heart just broke. Sending my sincere condolences."
Another former Home and Away star, Dannii Minogue added: "The cheekiest chap. His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many."
His former Home and Away co-star Penny McNamee wrote that Ruffo was the first cast member she met on the set at Sydney's Palm Beach. She added: "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."
