Johnny Ruffo vowed to stay alive for Christmas in heartbreaking resurfaced interview as the Home and Away star dies aged 35 following a long battle with brain cancer
A resurfaced interview showed the heartbreaking moment Johnny Ruffo, who died Friday morning aged 35, vowed to stay alive until Christmas 2022.
The Home and Away star lost his long battle with brain cancer in Sydney hospital, but an old interview reveals he lived much longer than he ever hoped.
Following the return of his terminal brain cancer after going into remission in 2017, the singer told 7News last year that he wanted to experience Christmas 2022.
At the time, he admitted he was determined to shine alive over the holidays so he could attend a long-awaited family reunion.
In particular, he said he wanted to see his brother Michael, who had been living in Ireland for three years at the time.
A resurfaced interview showed the heartbreaking moment Johnny Ruffo, who died Friday morning aged 35, vowed to stay alive until Christmas 2022. Pictured with his wife Tahnee Sims
“My brother lives in Ireland now so I haven’t seen him in three years and he’s coming home for Christmas and I honestly can’t wait to see him,” Johnny said.
‘We are as thick as thieves. Honestly, he’s my hero. He is everything to me. And I can’t wait to see him. I don’t know how I’m going to react, I can’t wait, he’s everything.’
To Johnny’s delight, he survived Christmas in 2022 and lived almost another year longer.
The Home and Away star lost his long battle with brain cancer in Sydney hospital, but an old interview reveals he lived much longer than he ever hoped
Following the return of his terminal brain cancer after going into remission in 2017, the singer told 7News last year that he wanted to experience Christmas 2022.
Johnny died on Friday morning at the age of 35 in Sydney hospital after a long battle with brain cancer.
The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page, with a spokesperson revealing that he passed away peacefully with his family and wife Tahnee by his side.
“It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Johnny today,” the statement said.
Johnny’s heartbreaking death 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.’
The actor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved wife Tahnee by his side
Johnny was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after going to hospital with painful migraines
The actor is best known for playing Chris Harrington on the Seven Soap from 2013 to 2016
He also appeared in soap rival Neighbors in 2020
Johnny 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.
The former X Factor star then praised his partner Tahnee, calling her his ‘guardian angel’ and saying he doesn’t know what he would do without her.
Johnny went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but revealed in November 2020 that the disease had returned.
Earlier this year, Johnny posted a photo of himself being treated in hospital, with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side
Johnny first won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor Australia in 2011