Johnny Ruffo’s emotional final Instagram post and his days traveling the world with his partner Tahnee Sims before his tragic death at age 35 after battling brain cancer
Home and away player Johnny Ruffo fought to the end before losing his long battle with brain cancer on Friday morning.
The actor and singer died at the age of 35 in a Sydney hospital, with his family and partner Tahnee Simms by his side.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with the tragic news of his death, his last post was a heartbreaking joint video with Tahnee, posted in early August.
Tahnee, 29, praised his resilience, writing “6 years after diagnosis. What a fighter!’
The moving video started with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, interspersed with sweet snaps of the couple together.
Before a family member updated his Instagram account with news of his death, Johnny Ruffo’s last post was a heartbreaking joint video with partner Tahnee Sims
At the time, Johnny’s Instagram post received an outpouring of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars and several other celebrities.
‘I love you both. Always in my prayers,” Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger noted, while Ada Nicodemou commented, “What a fighter.”
Former Bachelor star Anna Heinrich responded with love heart emojis, as did The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my husband,” radio host Michael “Wippa” Wipfli added.
In another Instagram post in July, Ruffo spoke about the realities of battling terminal cancer.
The moving video started with photos of Ruffo showing off the stitches on his head after surgery, followed by glimpses of his cancer treatments, interspersed with adorable snaps of the couple together.
Tahnee, 29, praised his resilience, writing “6 years after diagnosis. What a fighter!’
He posted a photo of himself lying in a hospital chair undergoing another round of chemotherapy.
“Back to reality,” he wrote in the caption.
That same month, he and Tahnee enjoyed a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.
The couple stayed in luxurious accommodation and admired the beautiful sights of the seaside town.
They also enjoyed a thrilling helicopter ride during their winter vacation, the last before Ruffo’s death.
At the time, Johnny’s Instagram post received an outpouring of supportive comments from his former Home and Away co-stars, as well as other celebrities
The heartbreaking news of his death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” the statement said.
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny passed away peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors.
Former Bachelor star Anna Heinrich responded with love heart emojis, as did The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies. “I couldn’t be more proud of my husband,” radio host Wippa added
In a heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo spoke about the reality of battling terminal cancer
‘He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and strong-willed. He fought 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 in peace.’
Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after going to hospital with painful migraines.
In another heartbreaking Instagram post in July, Ruffo spoke about the reality of battling terminal cancer
That same month, Johnny and Tahnee enjoyed a romantic trip to Queenstown, New Zealand
In August that year, he underwent emergency surgery and had a 7cm brain tumor surgically removed from his frontal lobe before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Ruffo went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but revealed in November 2020 that the disease had returned.
In August 2022, he confirmed that his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal and said he feared how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope with him being gone.
The couple stayed in luxurious accommodation and admired the beautiful sights of the seaside town
Tahnee and Johnny were all smiles as they enjoyed their getaway in the winter wonderland
They also enjoyed a thrilling helicopter ride during the escape, the last before Ruffo’s tragic death
Ruffo marked another year of undergoing chemotherapy in December 2022 and revealed he was looking forward to taking a break and spending time with family over Christmas.
The actor put on a brave face, smiled and gave a thumbs up while sitting in a chair.
“Back in my favorite chair,” he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.
In March this year, Ruffo began another round of chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in the hospital with his Tahnee by his side.
The actor underwent several rounds of treatment before losing his battle against the disease on Friday.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s show business career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Ruffo was the last contestant eliminated from the competition, which was ultimately won by Reece Mastin.
A music career followed, with Ruffo releasing several hit singles, including On Top and Take It Home.
But he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.
He also appeared in that show’s soap rival Neighbors in 2020.
Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s show business career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.
But he is perhaps best known for his role as fan favorite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016. Pictured here