The Home and Away family is once again united in grief following the devastating loss of former cast member Johnny Ruffo, who has passed away at the age of just 35.

His death, after a long and courageous public battle with brain cancer, has sent shockwaves through the Australian entertainment industry, leaving colleagues, fans,

and friends struggling to comprehend a life taken far too soon.

Among the many tributes shared in the days following the heartbreaking news, none has resonated more deeply than the emotional message from Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger. The actress, who has portrayed Irene Roberts for more than three decades, shared a raw and deeply personal reflection on the young star she once worked alongside — a tribute that encapsulated both the profound sadness of his passing and the extraordinary impact he had on those around him.

“Gone too soon,” McGranger wrote — a short, devastating phrase that echoed the sentiments of an entire nation. But behind those words lay a deep well of affection, admiration, and sorrow. She described Ruffo as a “beautiful soul,” a man whose warmth, humour, and infectious positivity lit up every room he entered, even during the darkest chapters of his life.

For McGranger, Ruffo was far more than a co-star. As one of the longest-serving actors on Australian television, she has watched countless young performers come and go, often taking on a mentoring role for those just beginning their careers. Johnny Ruffo, she has said in past interviews, stood out immediately — not just for his talent, but for his kindness and generosity of spirit.

On the Home and Away set, Ruffo was known as a constant source of laughter and energy. His quick wit and playful charm helped ease the pressures of long filming days, and his presence brought a sense of lightness even during emotionally demanding storylines. McGranger often referred to him affectionately as “one of the good ones,” a label she reserved for those who treated cast and crew alike with genuine respect.

That bond deepened as Ruffo’s life took a dramatic and heartbreaking turn. When he was first diagnosed with brain cancer, the news stunned both his colleagues and the wider public. What followed was a years-long journey marked by surgeries, treatment setbacks, moments of hope, and devastating relapses — all of which Ruffo faced with remarkable courage.

Throughout his illness, Ruffo chose to share much of his journey publicly, offering fans an unfiltered look at the realities of living with a life-threatening condition. His honesty, resilience, and refusal to surrender to despair earned him widespread admiration. McGranger’s tribute acknowledged not only the pain of losing him, but the inspiration he provided to so many.

She spoke of his unwavering optimism, his determination to keep smiling even when the odds were stacked against him, and his ability to lift others up while enduring unimaginable personal battles. For McGranger, watching Ruffo fight with such bravery was both heartbreaking and humbling.

Johnny Ruffo’s path to stardom began long before Summer Bay. He first captured the nation’s attention as a finalist on The X Factor Australia, where his talent, charisma, and effortless charm made him a fan favourite. That early success opened doors in both music and acting, but it was his role as Chris Harrington on Home and Away that truly cemented his place in Australian pop culture.

As Chris, Ruffo brought warmth, humour, and emotional depth to the show. His character’s storylines resonated deeply with viewers, and his on-screen relationships reflected the same sincerity and heart that defined him off-screen. Fans connected to him not just as a performer, but as someone who felt real, approachable, and genuine.

McGranger’s tribute highlighted the often-overlooked truth behind long-running television productions: that the cast becomes a real family. When one member suffers, the loss is felt collectively. In her message, she acknowledged the grief spreading through the Home and Away community — from actors and crew to viewers who had followed Ruffo’s journey with hope and heartbreak.

She honoured the young man he was, the colleague he became, and the fighter he proved himself to be in his final years. Her words served as a reminder that Ruffo’s legacy extends far beyond his roles on screen. It lives on in the lives he touched, the smiles he sparked, and the courage he showed in the face of relentless adversity.

Since the announcement of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Fellow actors, musicians, and fans have shared memories of Ruffo’s kindness, his laughter, and his refusal to let illness define him. Yet McGranger’s message stands apart for its intimacy — a reflection of someone who watched him grow, struggle, and inspire.

For viewers who have followed Home and Away for decades, Ruffo’s death is another painful reminder of how deeply connected they feel to the actors who bring Summer Bay to life. McGranger’s tribute bridges the gap between fiction and reality, revealing the genuine heartbreak behind the scenes.

Johnny Ruffo may have been “gone too soon,” but his impact will endure. As Lynne McGranger’s words make clear, he will be remembered not for how his life ended, but for how bravely he lived — with humour, kindness, and a resilience that inspired an entire nation.

Though the lights of Summer Bay will continue to shine, the absence of Johnny Ruffo will be felt for years to come. His legacy is now woven into the fabric of Home and Away history — and into the hearts of those who loved him.