Earlier today, the entire nation was left gobsmacked when Johnny Ruffo announced he underwent emergency surgery after discovering a brain tumour.
“On Sunday I went into hospital with a migraine,” Johnny shared with TV Week.
“I had to have emergency surgery to have a brain tumour removed. I am on the mend and feeling positive. Keep me in your thoughts,” the star added.
The 29-year-old bravely admitted to his fans the horrifying ordeal has taught him what matters most in life.
“Some things in life really put things into perspective, hoping for a positive result.”
Johnny, who most recently was one of stars of Home and Away, has been a household name for years.
Johnny Ruffo has the X-Factor
We first met the talented Perth boy in 2011 when he auditioned for the third season X-Factor.
At the time he was just 23, and he wowed most of the panel with his rendition of Do You Remember.
Soon, the self-taught guitar and piano player found himself in Guy Sebastian’s team.
Reaching the live shows, Johnny became a fan favourite with audiences falling hard for his dance moves.
The exceptional dancer made it all the way to final, where famously performed Push It with Salt-N-Pepa.
The series was taken out by his fellow boys team member Reese Mastin, with Johnny placing third.
Check out Johnny’s audition in the video above!
Dancing with the stars
He grooved his way into the county’s heart on the Channel 7 singing show, and it was clear Johnny’s competitive side had awoken.
In April 2012, the musician was announced as one of the celebrities on Dancing with the Stars.
Johnny teamed up with professional dancer Luda Kroitor and many viewers will remember that Johnny shared the floor with the likes of Danielle Spencer, Brendan Fevola and Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
But Johnny and Luda were too talented for the bunch, taking out the season and going home with the coveted mirror ball.
Johnny and Luda with their winning trophy.
The New Kid on the Block
When Johnny first started out as singer, the Perth local admitted it wasn’t his strong suit, but through his mentorship with Guy Sebastian, the now-29-year-old is one of the most celebrated local musicians in the country.
Following the reality show, Johnny shared with his fan base, “I’ve been in the studio in Perth recording some singles, quite a few different tracks so we can get the right one out there for my first release. The songs are very much my style, which is pop, R&B, mainstream sort of stuff.”
By March 2012 he had landed his very first record deal with Sony Music.
That year, the singer was honoured as the support act for New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys’ Australian Tour.
Johnny has had multiple hits on the Aria music charts, and is currently focusing on making new music.
Johnny has been a formidable force in the Australian music industry.
The boy from Summer Bay
Johnny first landed on the shores of Summer Bay in 2013.
Johnny made his acting debut on the iconic Australian soap drama, Home and Away in April 2013 as Chris Harrington.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Home and Away. The cast and crew have made me feel so welcome and can’t wait for everyone to meet my character Chris,” he said at the time.
Originally cast as a guest star, Johnny once again won over viewers hearts and soon Chris was a full-time Summer Bay lad.
“For almost ten years of his life, Chris was an only child, and all of his parents’ hopes and dreams were pinned on him. It was expected that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. Unfortunately, Chris was in no way academic, driven, or even responsible, causing him to be at constant loggerheads with his father. But then Chris received the answer to his prayers – the arrival of a baby brother, Spencer,” the network explained of his character.
Johnny as Chris Harrington, and Alf Stewart played by Ray Meagher.
In 2014, Johnny’s acting chops landed him a TV WEEK Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent.
From poisonings to loving Indi Walker, Johnny’s portrayal of Chris had some of Summer Bay’s biggest moments.
In 2016, the actor decided to leave the show, announcing, “I’ve loved my time in Summer Bay. There’s a lot more coming up for Chris and I hope fans continue enjoying his time on screen.”
His last appearance was in September.
Johnny went on to appear in Channel Nine’s House of Bond.
