Home and Away star Lynne McGranger has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her former co-star, Johnny Ruffo, in the wake of his tragic death.
The actor and singer passed away on Friday at the age of 35 after a six-year battle with brain cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,” a statement posted on Ruffo’s official Instagram account read.
“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.”
Ruffo, who was born in Perth, Western Australia, shot to fame on the 2011 season of The X Factor, in which he placed third. His star rose even higher after landing the role of Chris Harrington on Home and Away in 2013.
McGranger, who appeared alongside Ruffo on the Aussie soap during his three-year stint, took to Instagram late on Friday with a sweet image of the pair embracing on a couch.
“He was our friend and we loved him,” she captioned it.
“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.”
McGranger’s message followed Carrie Bickmore’s emotional tribute to Ruffo on her 2DayFM radio show, Carrie & Tommy – having interviewed him during his final TV appearance on The Project last August.
“I was fortunate enough to get to know Johnny over the years and I really wanted to pay tribute to his incredible life,” she said.
“Johnny Ruffo’s bright light shone across our screens and into our hearts, from his electric presence on X Factor, to opening stages for iconic bands like One Direction and the Backstreet Boys, and winning us over as Chris Harrington on Home and Away.
“Johnny brought joy to many. Even as he faced his own battles, Johnny’s spirit never waned. His courage in the face of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis inspired us all. And it was the love for his family that kept his light burning bright.
“His vulnerability in sharing his fears about leaving his girlfriend and incredible support, Tahnee Sims broke our hearts. Johnny shared his journey with us, not for sympathy but to light the way for others in the dark.”
Thousands of others, including many from the entertainment industry, expressed their sadness following Ruffo’s passing, flooding the comment section of the announcement on his page.
Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who was a judge on Ruffo’s season of The X Factor, simply wrote, “My heart just broke.”
“Oh darling boy,” Seven TV presenter Kylie Gillies began. “Sending love to all who knew you and loved you. And there are so many.”
Nova radio host Ryan Fitzgerald wrote: “Shattered. An absolute beacon of positivity. Johnny walked into any room and put a smile on everybody’s face.”
Australian singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte posted her own tribute to Ruffo, writing, “Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love.”
Ruffo first revealed his health struggle in August 2017, saying he had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour. A week later, he announced he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and would be starting aggressive treatment.
A positive development came in 2019, when Ruffo said he had been cleared of cancer – then came news in November 2020 that it had returned.
“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 #f*ckcancer,” Ruffo wrote on social media at the time.