Weeks after Johnny Ruffo, 35, passed away, heartbreaking video of him participating in a Christmas charity campaign emerged.
In an effort to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the X Factor finalist, who passed away in November from terminal brain cancer, recently participated in Amazon Australia’s Christmas music video campaign.
The late Home and Away star may be seen in a performance footage playing Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) on the xylophone with singer Budjerah and seven ill Starlight children.
The Daily Telegraph claims that the video was supposed to be released on November 14, which would have been Ruffo’s death anniversary, but it was canceled because of the tragedy.
But since then, Tahnee Sims, Ruffo’s companion, and his family have approved the video’s publication.
Ruffo had reportedly stated, “Having been a part of this campaign for so many years, you would think I wouldn’t be surprised by what these kids can do, but they continue to surprise me with their creativity.”
Being a singer myself, I was really thrilled to watch the kids perform in the music video; it was amazing to witness their happiness.
Up to $100,000, Amazon Australia promised to donate $1 from each video view to the organization that helps children with life-threatening illnesses.
The X Factor finalist, who died from terminal brain cancer in November, recently performed in Amazon Australia’s Christmas music video campaign to help raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation
Ruffo died on November 10 at a Sydney hospital, and the heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page
Ruffo died on November 10 at a Sydney hospital, and the heartbreaking news was announced on his Instagram page.
‘It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny,’ a statement read.
‘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.’
Ruffo 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 (pictured)
He had a 7cm brain tumor surgically removed from his frontal lobe in August of that year after being sent for chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
After receiving his first diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo experienced months of remission before disclosing that the illness had resurfaced in November 2020.
He disclosed in August 2022 that his brain cancer was terminal and expressed concern about Tahnee, his partner, handling his loss.
In December 2022, Ruffo announced he was looking forward to a holiday and spending Christmas with his family as he commemorated another year of receiving chemotherapy.
The actor sat in a chair and put on a brave face, grinning and gave the thumbs up.
He jokingly posted, “Back in my favorite chair,” along with the hashtags #f**kcancer and #ihatethischair.
Ruffo began a second round of chemotherapy in March of this year. He shared a picture of himself receiving the treatment in a hospital with his partner Tahnee by his side.
In a tragic appearance on The Project last year, Johnny talked about his worries about Tahnee’s ability to move on after his death.
“You can only imagine how tough it’s been on her,” he said to Carrie Bickmore, the host at the time.
I hate to say it, but I often imagine how difficult it would be for her if something were to happen to me.
I don’t want to think about it, for that reason. I simply feel a little upset about it because I know that something will happen eventually, whether it’s in a month, ten years, or twenty years.
Bickmore was informed by Ruffo that he had already exceeded his expected life span. “I’m still fighting, but eventually it will get to me.” still going strong. “After researching my diagnosis and tumor, I found that the typical life expectancy was three years,” he stated. Ruffo, who was born in the Balcatta area of Perth, got his start in show business in 2011 when he made it through the audition process for the third season of The X Factor Australia.