Carrie Bickmore paid a moving tribute to the late Johnny Ruffo live on Friday.
Bickmore, 42, interviewed Ruffo on The Project last August in his final television appearance, where he openly discussed his health problems at the time.
During her 2DayFM radio show, Bickmore paused to honor Ruffo and reflect on his “incredible” and “inspirational” approach to life.
“I was lucky 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.’
She went on to say that Johnny brought a lot of joy to many people and that his spirit persevered even as he battled through his terminal cancer.
“His courage in the face of a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer inspired us all.
And it was his love for his family that kept his light burning bright.”
“His vulnerability in sharing his fears about leaving his girlfriend and his incredible support, Tahnee Sims broke our hearts. Johnny shared his journey with us, not out of sympathy, but to light the way for others in the dark,” Bickmore stated.
Carrie Bickmore (photo) paid a moving tribute to the late Johnny Ruffo on Friday. During her 2DayFM radio show, Bickmore paused to honor Ruffo and reflect on his “incredible” and “inspiring” approach to life
‘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.’ In the photo: Johnny Rufo
The podcaster also encouraged her listeners to delve into Ruffo’s memoir, describing it as a “message of hope” and especially poignant for those in need of inspiration.
‘His book, No Finish Line, is not just a memoir, it is a message of hope and a call to live life to the fullest. Johnny once said, he was already winning – and he was right,” she added.
“Johnny Ruffo, your legacy will continue to inspire. May you rest in peace knowing that even at the age of 35, you left this world better than you found it,” Carrie concluded her tribute.
The heartbreaking news of Ruffo’s passing 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.
Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has died at the age of 35 after a long battle with brain cancer. The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page on Friday
“Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny passed away peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors.
‘He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and strong-willed.
He fought to the end and 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 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.
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.