"It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny," said a statement posted on his Instagram page on Friday.
He died peacefully surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, and had the support of some "incredible" nurses and doctors, the statement said."He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will," the post said.
"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."
Ruffo was known in the industry as a "triple threat" - a talented actor, singer and dancer.
He was a finalist in the third season of The X Factor Australia in 2011 before going on to play the role of Chris Harrington in Home and Away in 2013.
Ruffo was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2017 after suffering excruciating migraines that saw him hospitalised, then undergoing emergency surgery to remove a seven-centimetre tumour that left him with 27 staples in his head.
He had extensive chemotherapy but in 2020 announced the cancer had returned.
More than 50,000 people have responded to the online post on Friday, many leaving condolence messages.
Among them was Scary Spice Mel B, who was a judge on the X Factor the year Ruffo made the finals.
"My heart just broke," she posted.
Singer Jason Owen thanked his friend for the bravery, courage and support he gave to many people.
"You will be missed mate. A true fighter, gentleman and a great friend to us all," he posted.
"His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many," said singer Danii Minogue.
Actor Penny McNamee said Ruffo was the first cast member she had met on Home and Away, and he was instantly warm, funny and self-deprecating.
"What joy he brought to the world," she said.
"Brave, courageous, strong, resilient and a fighter till the end, you will be missed by all," posted singer Casey Donovan.
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