In 2013, a baby-faced Johnny Ruffo landed a role on Home And Away and quickly hit it off with his co-star Lynne McGranger.
At the time, he had no idea the star, who plays Irene Roberts on the soapie, would play an incredibly important part in his life.
In 2017, Johnny’s world was turned upside-down when he was was diagnosed with brain cancer. In 2019, the cancer was officially in remission before it tragically returned in November 2020.
“After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that i have to let you know i now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned,” Johnny announced via his Instagram account alongside a photo of himself and girlfriend Tahnee Sims.
He continued: “Though I will dig deep and beat this sht disease again #fckcancer.”
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Johnny has famously received immense support from his former Home And Away cast members, the public and his dedicated girlfriend, Tahnee.
But out of everyone from the show, Lynne has actively spent considerable time dedicated to Johnny, and as a result, they have remained close mates since he departed the show.
The two initially bonded on the show thanks to their mutual love of AFL, and they would have a tradition whereby whoever’s team finished lower on the table each season owed the other one dinner.
In 2020, Johnny revealed Lynne still plays an important part in his life.
“I still see Lynne McGranger every other week,” the actor told Now To Love.
While Lynne described Johnny as the “son she never had” in Channel Seven’s News Spotlight: Fight Of His Life special about Johnny’s health battle.
During these challenging times, Johnny has kept in good spirits despite the stress he is under physically and mentally.
There’s no doubt that Lynne’s compassionate and unconditional support has contributed to his ability to power through.
Take a look inside Lynne and Johnny’s endearing friendship
“A lovely Sunday lunch and lots of laughs” Lynne captioned this photo of her reunion with Johnny in May 2022.
Johnny’s beloved girlfriend Tahnee Sims was also in attendance.
Johnny Ruffo cafe
In February 2021, Lynne and Johnny caught up with each other and their partners at a Sydney restaurant.
Taking to social media to document their sweet mate date, the pair uploaded snaps from their outing.
“Always a pleasure catching up with this beautiful lady 😁🍝,” Johnny shared.
On Lynne’s Instagram she captioned the sweet moment, “Lunch with these Muppets. @mcsquirta @johnny_ruffo Missed you @tahneesims 💕😍.”
Lynne McGranger cafe
When Johnny announced his second cancer diagnosis, Lynne wrote this supportive message at the time: “Sending love always my dear friend. 💪🏽💪🏽💜💜💜Wishing you both a relaxing Christmas and let me know when you’re feeling up to a catch up – we’re not going anywhere 🙄😜.”
Johnny Ruffo and Lynne McGranger Adelaide
Lynne and Johnny are looking not so sure about their potato chips on a stick at the Adelaide show.
Lynne McGranger
These two always have big smiles plastered on their face when they are together.
Flizy Johnny
Lynne and Johnny catch up with Wippa and his wife, Lisa.
Lynne johnny
Lynne posted this photo in honour of Johnny’s birthday, and she captioned this moment, “Happy birthday to my gorgeous friend @johnny_ruffo who has got through the toughest year with grace and humour, and has come out the other end fit and well again. Love you 🤗😘💜.”
Johnny Ruffo Lynne McGranger event
Underneath Johnny’s heartbreaking post about his cancer returning, Lynne posted this supportive comment, “Sending so much love to you, my darling friend”.
JOhnny Ruffo cancer diagnosis
The Home And Away icon describes Johnny as the “son she never had.”
Johnny Ruffo combie van
“Love working with this hot machine!! And @johnny_ruffo isn’t too bad either 😁💕👍😂,” Lynne captured this pic.
Johnny Lynne
In 2018, Johnny confirmed how close the duo are with this telling caption, “On set today with my bestie @lynnemcgranger.”
Ada Nicodemou Johnny Ruffo
Johnny and Lynne pictured with Ada Nicodemou in a throwback.
Home and Away dinner
Everyone looks gleeful at this Home and Away plus family dinner.
From the left is Ada Nicodemou, her son Johnas, Johnny in the middle, and from the left is Tahnee Sims, Lynne and her husband.
Johnny Ruffo
Everyone deserves to experience a bond so unconditional and wholesome.
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