The Home and Away family is grieving once again as beloved actress Lynne McGranger delivers a deeply emotional tribute to her former co-star Johnny Ruffo, whose death at just 35 has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Ruffo, remembered as one of the show’s brightest personalities both on and off the screen, lost his long and public battle with brain cancer, leaving a profound void in Australian television.

McGranger, who portrayed Irene Roberts for more than three decades and became a mentor figure to countless younger castmates, took to social media with a message fans described as “raw,” “devastating,” and “impossible to read without tears.” In her tribute, she expressed not only her heartbreak but also her admiration for Ruffo’s courage, humor, and resilience throughout his illness.

“Gone too soon,” she wrote — a simple phrase that captured the grief of colleagues, fans, and friends who watched Ruffo fight his diagnosis with extraordinary strength. McGranger described him as a “beautiful soul,” a young man who brought joy to every set he walked onto, and someone whose positivity remained unshaken even in the darkest moments of his treatment.

The pair shared a bond that extended far beyond the show’s fictional world. On set, Ruffo was known for his quick wit, playful energy, and boundless generosity. McGranger often referred to him as “one of the good ones,” praising his ability to lighten the mood even during intense filming blocks. Their camaraderie became one of the emotional anchors of the cast during Ruffo’s time on the show, and his departure — both from the series and now from life — has left many grappling with overwhelming sorrow.

Ruffo first captured the public’s heart on The X Factor Australia, showcasing a voice and charisma that quickly propelled him into national stardom. But it was his role as Chris Harrington on Home and Away that solidified his place in Australian pop culture. His character brought warmth, humour, and a relatable charm to Summer Bay, earning him a loyal fanbase that continues to grow even after his passing.

Lynne McGranger’s tribute highlighted the emotional reality behind the scenes — that a cast often described as a “television family” truly feels its losses. Her message acknowledged the pain felt across the industry and among viewers, many of whom followed Ruffo’s health updates with hope and heartbreak in equal measure. She honoured not only the actor he was, but the fighter he became in the final years of his life.

As tributes continue to pour in from co-stars, musicians, fans, and friends, McGranger’s words remain among the most poignant: a reminder of a life lived with bravery, humour, and relentless optimism. Johnny Ruffo’s legacy — as a performer, as a colleague, as a friend — will remain etched in Home and Away history.

Though gone too soon, he will not be forgotten.