Photo:Don Arnold/WireImage
Don Arnold/WireImage
Johnny Ruffo, who rose to stardom after appearing on Australia’sTheX Factorbefore taking on a role in the daytime soapHome and Away, has died aged 35.
The singer and actor had received a terminal brain cancer diagnosis last year and on Friday, the news of his death was shared in anInstagram poston his account.
“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” the statement began.
The statement continued, “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.”
Johnny Ruffo performs before the ANZ Championship Grand Final match between the Melbourne Vixens and the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at Hisense Arena on July 22, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.Scott Barbour/Getty
Scott Barbour/Getty
The announcement concluded with a heartfelt message of remembrance for the late star: “We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy ❤️”
Several former judges from Australia’s version ofTheX Factorshared their condolences in the post, with Spice GirlMel Bwriting, “My heart just broke.”
Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and underwent treatment for two years, perThe Guardian. He entered remission according to the outlet, before announcing in 2020 that his cancer had returned.
“After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, though I will dig deep and beat this s— disease again," Ruffo captioned an Instagram post fromNov. 24, 2020.
Johnny Ruffo performs live on stage as a support act to One Direction during the matinee show at Hordern Pavilion on April 13, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.Ryan Pierse/Getty
Ryan Pierse/Getty
He revealed in August 2022 that his cancer had become terminal. “Looking up my diagnosis and my tumor and… the average life expectancy was three years. For me it’s now been five years, so I’m already winning,” he told Australia’s Channel 10 last year, per theBBC.
“At some point it is going to get me…,” Ruffo also said in the interview. “My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can.”
Ruffo, who was born in Perth in western Australia, worked as a concreter and performed locally in an electro-pop band before he was thrust into the spotlight in 2011 when he auditioned forThe X Factor, according to areport from 7 Newsin Australia. Channel 7 broadcast the reality music competition for the majority of the eight seasons it ran for between 2006 and 2016.
Ruffo ultimately placed third in the third season of the singing competition but went on to launch his music career with Sony Music Australia.
He released several singles and even a duet with hisX Factormentor, singerGuy Sebastian, and even won Australia’sDancing with the Starsin 2012, per7 News. That same year, he supportedOne Direction,New Kids on the Blockand theBackstreet Boys, according to the outlet.
Johnny Ruffo arrives at the “Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw” Australian Premiere on July 31, 2019 in Sydney, Australia.Don Arnold/Getty
Don Arnold/Getty
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Ruffo released a new song titled “Broken Glass' in 2019 after going into remission, according to7 News,and before revealing his terminal diagnosis, he wrote a memoir titledNo Finish Line, which was published in August 2022. Although he did not return to acting, Ruffo regularly shared details of his treatment and life with partner Tahnee Sims on his social media.
So proud to see this come to life 📚😃 ‘No Finish Line’ my first ever book will be out in stores on August 30 & available now for pre order through all good book stores! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as i did writing it 💜” he wroteon Instagramin July 2022.
Ruffo spent his final few months, according to photos he uploaded to his Instagram, traveling to places like Queenstown, New Zealand and spending time with friends and family.
source: people.com
