Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger shares emotional tribute to ‘warrior’ Johnny Ruffo after his death aged 35 from cancer: ‘Fly free from the pain’

Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger has shared an emotional tribute to her former co-star Johnny Ruffo following his death aged 35 from cancer.

Sharing a throwback photo of herself cuddling Johnny on a couch, the 70-year-old actress called the late singer a ‘warrior’.

‘He was our friend and we loved him,’ she began the heartfelt Instagram post.

‘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.’

She continued, ‘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.’

Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger has shared an emotional tribute to her former co-star Johnny Ruffo following his death aged 35 from cancer, calling him a ‘warrior’

Ruffo passed away on Friday following a lengthy battle with cancer

Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Sims by his side.

And McGranger isn’t the only Home and Away star to pay tribute to the former X Factor finalist.

Stars of the long-running soap and several other Aussie celebrities honoured the ‘incredibly kind and brave’ actor in heartfelt statements alongside an Instagram post announcing his death.

Harley Bonner, who starred as Logan Bennet on the show in 2021 and 2022, wrote: ‘Love to you and your loved ones, mate.’

David Jones-Roberts, who appeared alongside Ruffo as Xavier Austin, added, ‘RIP brother. Much love.’

Johnny’s Home and Away co-stars shared tributes to the actor after his death

Fellow longtime co-star Lisa Gormley said Ruffo brought joy to the set of the Aussie soap. 

‘Heartbreaking. Love you, Johnny. Thank you for your joy,’ she wrote. 

Sarah Roberts, who appeared on Home and Away after Johnny left the drama, wrote: ‘So devastatingly sad. My heart is absolutely broken. Life just isn’t fair. Johnny you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us. I’m sending all my love to Johnny’s family, dear friends and beautiful Tahnee.’

Singing sensation and former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte added: ‘Oh my. What an incredible human. Sending so much love.’

Soap actor Holly Brisley said: ‘I’m so very sorry to read this. My most heartfelt condolences. He was a good one! Most definitely gone too soon.’

Meanwhile, former Bachelorette Georgia Love sent her love to his partner Taheee and his family.

‘I’m so incredibly sad to hear this. Huge love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family,’ she wrote.

Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Sims by his side. The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page  

The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies added: ‘Oh darling boy. Sending love to all who knew and loved you. And there are so many.’

Gogglebox star Angie Kent said: ‘Oh this is such heartbreaking news to hear. What a beautiful soul who showed so much strength all the way to the end. So much love to his family, partner and friends. Rest easy now sweet man.’

The Bachelor star Alex Nation commented: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Condolences to Johnny’s loved ones.’

Meanwhile PR queen Roxy Jacenko, who battled breast cancer, noted Ruffo’s long and hard fight with the disease.  

‘Heartbreaking. Sending love and thoughts. You fought so hard darling,’ she said. 

Stars of the long-running soap and several other Aussie celebrities honoured the ‘incredibly kind and brave’ actor in heartfelt statements alongside an Instagram post announcing his death 

Former NRL star Luke Burgess said: ‘This is unbelievably sad. What an incredible human. Sending all my love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family. My heart is with you guys.’

Luke’s brother George also left a tribute, writing: ‘Rest in Peace. Always positive throughout his illness and an inspiration to others suffering. Such a terrible loss, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.’

Real Housewives of Sydney star Sally Obermeder said: ‘My heart is broken. We loved you so much. Thinking of your family and all who loved you.’ 

Elsewhere, entertainer Rhonda Burchmore wrote, ‘This breaks my heart’, while singer Ricki-Lee Coulter echoed the sentiment with a series of broken heart emojis. 

Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines. Pictured with partner Tahnee

Nova FM star Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald said he was ‘shattered’ by the loss of Johnny who was ‘an absolute beacon of positivity’.

Comedian Dave Hughes added: ‘A star has moved to the next world. Go well Johnny.’ 

Timeline of Johnny Ruffo’s life before his death aged 35

1988 – Ruffo was born in Perth to parents Jill and Pascoe

2011 – Singer’s career takes off on X Factor Australia, where he placed third

2012 – Ruffo wins Dancing With The Stars. He also releases his debut single ‘On Top’

2013 – Ruffo’s acting career begins, appearing on Channel Seven’s Home and Away as Chris Harrington

2015 – Singer meets his partner Tahnee Sims

2017 – Ruffo is first diagnosed with brain cancer after he went to hospital with painful migraines

2019 – He reveals his cancer is in remission

2020 – Ruffo’s cancer returns

2022 – The actor confirms his cancer is terminal 

2023 – Ruffo dies from brain cancer with Tahnee and his family by his side

Meanwhile, AFL star Abbey Holmes wrote: ‘Oh Johnny. Our hearts break. Sending so much love to friends and family. You sure did put up one hell of a fight! Rest easy.’ 

Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines.

In August that year, he was rushed to surgery and had a 7cm brain tumour 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 the disease had returned.

In August 2022, he confirmed his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal and said he feared how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope once he is gone.

Ruffo marked another year of undergoing chemotherapy in December 2022, and said he was looking forward to having a break and spending time with family over Christmas.

The actor put on a brave face, smiling and giving the thumbs up while he sat in a chair.

‘Back in my favourite chair,’ he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.

In March this year, Ruffo started another round of chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side.

The actor went through several rounds of treatment before losing his battle with the disease on Friday.

Born in the Perth suburb of Balcatta, Ruffo’s showbusiness career began when he successfully auditioned for the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011.

Ruffo passed away peacefully with his family and beloved partner Tahnee Sims by his side

After being mentored by Guy Sebastian, Ruffo was the last contestant eliminated in 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 starring as fan favourite Chris Harrington on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016.

He also appeared on soap rival Neighbours in 2020.

Ruffo won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor Australia in 2011

The actor is best known for playing Chris Harrington on the Seven Soap from 2013 to 2016 

Earlier this year, Ruffo posted a photo of himself undergoing treatment in hospital with Tahnee by his side