A resurfaced interview showed the heartbreaking moment Johnny Ruffo, who died aged 35 on Friday morning, 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 shows he lived far longer than he ever hoped.
Following the return of his terminal brain cancer after it went into remission in 2017, the singer told 7News last year he wanted to live to see Christmas 2022.
At the time, he admitted he was determined to star alive for the holiday so he could attend a long-overdue 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 aged 35 on Friday morning, 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 for three years and he’s coming home for Christmas and I honestly can’t wait to see him,’ Johnny said.
‘We’re thick as thieves. Honestly, he is my hero. He is everything to me. And I cannot wait to see him. I don’t know how I’m going to react, I cannot wait, he’s everything.’
Much to Johnny’s delight, he survived to see Christmas in 2022 and lived for almost another year more.
The Home and Away star lost his long battle with brain cancer in Sydney hospital, but an old interview shows he lived far longer than he ever hoped
Following the return of his terminal brain cancer after it went into remission in 2017, the singer told 7News last year he wanted to live to see Christmas 2022
Johnny passed away at Sydney hospital on Friday morning at the age of 35 after fighting a long battle with brain cancer.
The heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page, with a spokesperson revealing he passed away peacefully with his family and wife Tahnee by his side.
‘It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,’ the statement read.
Johnny’s heartbreaking death was announced on his Instagram page on Friday
‘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. Rest easy.’
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 he went 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 on soap rival Neighbours in 2020
READ MORE: Johnny Ruffo recalls the day he was first told he had brain cancer and says he was angry about the diagnosis: ‘I was p**sed off’
Johnny 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.
The former X Factor star went on to praise his partner Tahnee and referred to her as his ‘guardian angel’ and said 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 the disease had returned.
Earlier this year, Johnny posted a photo of himself undergoing treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side
Johnny first won fans during his appearance as a finalist on The X-Factor in 2011