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"Taken way too soon": TV star's brother breaks silence after shocking death

<p>The grieving brother of slain TV star Johnny Wactor has broken his silence over his brother's untimely death. </p> <p>Johnny Wactor, 37, was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/soap-star-killed-in-robbery-gone-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> in Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday morning when he intercepted a group of men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, and was shot dead at the scene. </p> <p>Now, Wactor's brother Grant has shared more details on the events surrounding his Johnny's death, telling <a href="https://people.com/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactors-brother-speaks-out-on-killing-taken-way-too-early-8654340" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a> magazine that he had finished a shift working as a bartender at the time he was shot. </p> <p>After his shift finished at about 3:25am local time, he walked to his car with a female co-worker  when he noticed that his car had been “jacked up or lifted in some way”.</p> <p>Initially, the actor thought his car was being towed away, but quickly realised the people surrounding his car were not tow-truck drivers.</p> <p>Grant said his brother physically shielded his female colleague to prevent her from being hurt and had his hands up in the air when he was shot.</p> <p>“He did not confront them,” he told the publication. “He did not try to stop them. He was just trying to diffuse the situation by stepping back.”</p> <p>After the shooting the men fled the scene in a different car, and LAPD officer Jeff Lee said the suspects were “still outstanding”.</p> <p>Grant Wactor said his family were “hoping and praying” that the killers were found and brought to justice.</p> <p>“We just want (them to be found) as quickly as possible and correctly,” he said, describing his brother as “a good person”.</p> <p>“He was taken way too early, and no one should be taken like this at all,” he said.</p> <p>“He touched a lot of people. He believed in his core values to the end, and he lived life to the fullest the way he wanted to. And he was happy doing that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Ouzounova / Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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Soap star killed in robbery gone wrong

<p><em>General Hospital</em> actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37.</p> <p>The soap star was killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning when he stumbled across three men allegedly breaking into his car, according to <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/26/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactor-dead-shot-killed-robbery-attempt-car-catalytic-converter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>TMZ</em></a>. </p> <p>His mother, Scarlett, told the outlet that he was with a co-worker when they “saw three men messing with Johnny’s car”, but he didn't attempt to confront or fight them. </p> <p>Unfortunately, he was shot as the group took off. </p> <p>Paramedics arrived at the scene around 3am and took Johnny to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. </p> <p>According to the outlet, the description matched a reported incident in the area where three men were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. </p> <p>The suspects have not yet been found, and police have yet to release descriptions of the alleged thieves. </p> <p>Johnny's agent, David Shaul, has paid tribute to the actor and remembered him as “a spectacular human being” in an interview with <em>People</em>. </p> <p>“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him,” Shaul said.</p> <p>“Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.</p> <p>“Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back," he added. </p> <p>“After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”</p> <p>Johnny began his career in 2007 playing various roles on the show <em>Army Wives</em>.</p> <p>He most notably played Brando Corbin on <em>General Hospital</em>, appearing in almost 200 episodes of the show. </p> <p>He also appeared on hit shows like <em>NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA </em>and <em>Westworld</em>.</p> <p>Fans have taken also taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor. </p> <p>“How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight [star] Condolences to his family and all the actor’s fans,” one tweeted. </p> <p>“RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place. :(,” another added. </p> <p>“I am beyond words about Johnny Wactor, a life that was taken without cause. I hope whoever did this spend the rest of their life in prison," a third wrote. </p> <p>Johnny is survived by his mother and younger brothers Grant and Lance.</p> <p><em>Image: Ouzounova/ Shutterstock editorial</em></p>

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Big Bang Theory star reveals two major family announcements

<p>Johnny Galecki has dropped two huge announcements in his latest interview - he secretly married partner Morgan Galecki and they have welcomed their first child together.</p> <p>The <em>Big Bang Theory </em>star, 48, confirmed the news to <em>Architectural Digest</em>, as he was giving them a tour of his gothic-style Tennessee mansion. </p> <p>According to the publication, Morgan was pregnant at the time of the photoshoot, despite her bump not being quite obvious in photos. </p> <p>The pair welcomed their daughter, Oona Evelena, shortly after. Oona is the pair's first child together, but the actor also shares son Orbison, four, with his ex Alaina Meyer.</p> <p>It remains unclear how long the pair have been dating, but he reportedly split from ex Meyer in November 2020.</p> <p>The actor shared a few photos from the shoot on Instagram, and said he would treasure the piece on their family home. </p> <p>"We will place it in our family time capsule and cherish it for many, many years," he wrote in the caption. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D4tgXPt35/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D4tgXPt35/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Galecki (@sanctionedjohnnygalecki)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Galecki also opened up on why he decided to move to Tennessee after living in Los Angeles for 30  years. </p> <p>"I never felt like much of an Angeleno," he told <em>Architectural Digest</em>. </p> <p>"And I did try. I say that with sadness, not with snobbery. Thirty years is just a very long time to live in a city that you're not all that comfortable in."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Beautiful soul": Johnny Ruffo passes away at 35

<p>Beloved Australian actor and singer Johnny Ruffo, known for his role on <em>Home and Away</em> and as a finalist on <em>The X Factor Australia</em>, passed away on Friday at the age of 35 after a courageous and lengthy battle with brain cancer.</p> <p>The sad news was confirmed through a heartfelt statement shared on Ruffo's Instagram page, leaving fans, friends, and fellow celebrities mourning the loss of a talented and resilient soul.</p> <p>Ruffo's journey with brain cancer began in 2017, a battle that he faced with determination, strength, and a remarkable sense of humour. Described as a talented and sometimes "cheeky" man, Ruffo's positive spirit shone through even in the face of adversity. The statement on his Instagram page conveyed the heavy hearts of his loved ones, emphasising his strong will and the incredible support he received from his partner Tahnee, family, nurses, and doctors:</p> <p><em>"It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny.</em></p> <p><em>Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses &amp; Doctors.</em></p> <p><em>He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. 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.</em></p> <p><em>We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.</em></p> <p><em>Rest easy ❤️"</em></p> <p>Tributes immediately poured in from the Australian entertainment industry, with stars like Dannii Minogue, Casey Donovan, and Guy Sebastian expressing their sorrow and remembering Ruffo's infectious personality. Fellow <em>Home and Away</em> co-star Penny McNamee recalled the joy Ruffo brought to the set, emphasising the warmth and humour he shared with those around him.</p> <p>Ruffo's impact extended beyond the screen, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief from friends in the industry. Mel B, who was a judge on <em>The X Factor Australia</em> when Ruffo competed in 2011, expressed her heartfelt condolences, while Georgie Parker, another<em> Home and Away</em> co-star, described Ruffo as "truly one in a million" and lamented the cruelty of his untimely departure.</p> <p>In November 2020, Ruffo bravely shared with his fans that his cancer had returned, initiating another challenging chapter in his life. Despite the uphill battle, he remained open about his experiences, releasing a book titled <em>No Finish Line</em> last year. The book documented his journey from the moment he learned about the 7-centimeter tumour in his brain, known as a stage three oligodendroglioma, to completing it while undergoing chemotherapy.</p> <p>Throughout his fight, Ruffo maintained a strong presence on social media, updating his followers on his progress and sharing moments of vulnerability and strength. Tahnee played a crucial role in his journey, providing unwavering support and being a pillar of strength during the challenging times. The couple's love story, which began at a dance studio in 2015, became an inspiring tale of resilience and commitment.</p> <p>In his final Instagram post on August 7, Ruffo's girlfriend shared a poignant video montage, illustrating his six-year battle with cancer. The clip showcased Ruffo's hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and moments of joy, highlighting the indomitable spirit that defined his character. Ruffo's infectious smiles and thumbs-ups for the camera served as a testament to his positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.</p> <p>As the entertainment industry and fans mourn the loss of Johnny Ruffo, his legacy remains embedded in the memories of those who were touched by his talent, charm and unwavering spirit. His courage in the face of a relentless illness serves as an inspiration, and his impact on the Australian entertainment scene will be remembered for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Johnny Ruffo shares health update

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo has shared an update on his cancer battle, prompting a flood of support from his nearest and dearest.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Home &amp; Away</em> star took to Instagram with the update, sharing a photo of himself sitting in a hospital chair.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-04f7fae2-7fff-cd11-60f4-ae980c4a6d1b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Powering through another round of chemo 💪🏽💜 #f**kcancer,” he wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku1zoRrs74/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku1zoRrs74/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">His girlfriend Tahnee Sims was among the first to praise the actor and singer, commenting with a series of muscled arm emojis.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Sending you lots of love @johnny_ruffo ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” <em>Home and Away</em> alum Sarah Roberts shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re a legend buddy ♥️👍,” singer and<em> X Factor</em> runner-up Jason Owen commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are incredible darling @johnnyruffo! Love you 💕💕💕🙏,” actress Rhonda Burchmore said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hello darling. See you guys very soon. 🤞🏼🥰😘😍🙌🏽🙏🏼💙💕,” wrote fellow <em>Home and Away</em> star Lynne McGregor, who is also one of Ruffo’s closest friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">McGregor, who plays Roberts on the soap, has been one of Ruffo’s supporters since they worked on the show together.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with <em>TV Week</em> last month, Ruffo described his former co-star as “amazing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She constantly checks in and asks how I’m doing. She always wants to go out for dinner,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I can't stress enough how people like her help get through tough times. She's just a wonderful person. Having people like that to say 'Oh, how are you feeling this week?' and little sweet things like that make all the difference. It's a great support network."</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cf9b5c87-7fff-10da-8860-00e6979766b8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @johnny_ruffo (Instagram)</em></p>

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Johnny Ruffo opens up about biggest fear

<p dir="ltr">Aussie star Johnny Ruffo has shared an update on his battle with terminal brain cancer and opened up about the one thing that scares him above all else.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Home and Away</em> star told <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/johnny-ruffo-shares-biggest-fear-amid-brain-cancer-battle/news-story/f1adaa768aa06f838dfe1ac9af0e4d94" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a></em> that he hasn’t given up the fight against his brain tumour, which first appeared in 2017, but that he is also thinking about the possibility of death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking about his biggest fear, the 34-year-old revealed that he was scared that his immediate family, including his partner Tahnee Sims, wouldn’t be around him when he dies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m scared for my brother, my mum, Dad and Tahnee that they won’t be here with me [when I die],” he told the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no way my family will all be here. The likelihood of that is [slim]. It would be ideal if everyone was there – not for my sake, but theirs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">During the interview, Ruffo became emotional while speaking about Tahnee, who he described as his “guardian angel”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-432febfd-7fff-bfae-646b-8459b50d138a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“She is living with it as much as I am. She is here with me every step of the way. I’m so very grateful to have her by my side, I don’t know what I would do without her,” he said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjUyMHXOvxt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjUyMHXOvxt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tahnee Sims (@tahneesims)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo, who shot to fame as a finalist on the 2011 season of <em>X Factor</em>, has been candid about his battle with cancer, giving fans the devastating update that <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it was terminal</a> in an interview with <em>The Project</em> co-host Carrie Bickmore in August.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” he said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me it’s now been five years. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can and also live a happy life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In the weeks before he broke the news, the West Australian <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-marks-five-years-since-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marked five years since he was diagnosed</a> and released his first book, a memoir titled <em>No Finish Line</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4c6edb5d-7fff-ea69-9a86-04f2ca1adc91"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @johnny_ruffo (Instagram)</em></p>

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“Goodbye Little Darlin’”: Johnny Cash fan snaps up singer’s former home

<p dir="ltr">After just two months on the market, the sprawling ranch Johnny Cash built in the hills of California has been snagged by a generous local fan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/walk-the-rooms-inside-the-house-that-johnny-cash-built" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With an asking price of $US 1.795 million</a> ($NZ 3.16 million), the home’s new owner paid an extra $55,000 ($NZ 96,000) for the keys to the six-acre ranch.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ring of Fire singer reportedly built the ‘60s style compound in Ventura, California, in 1961 as an escape from Los Angeles and a place where he and his wife, Vivian, could raise their two daughters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike other celebrity neighbours, it seems that Cash was on friendly terms with the locals, with residents from the nearby village of Casitas Springs recalling Cash setting up speakers on the hillside outside his home and playing concerts for the people living below, per <em><a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/johnny-cash-fan-buys-the-singers-former-ranch-in-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realtor.com</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 1966, the couple divorced, with Cash marrying June Carter two years later and relocating to Nashville.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vivian later offloaded the five-bedroom home in the 1970s.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even after all these years, the property still features details from when Cash called it home, including a wall-mounted timetable and painted ceilings “imbued with glitter”, according to <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8736-Nye-Rd_Ventura_CA_93001_M13740-10847" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">His wood-panelled studio has also been preserved. Built with high windows, the studio was designed so the six-foot singer could look out without others being able to see in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The panelled walls, wagon wheel chandeliers and curved brick fireplace in the living room also add to the rustic feel of the home’s interior.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside, you’ll find cypresses and oak trees, a large pool and spa, and a hillside barbecue area where Cash taught his daughters to shoot - with spent shells still being found there sometimes.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the property being zoned for livestock and plenty of fields ready for planting, it’ll be up to the new owner to decide on the fate of the iconic home.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8af7ee9c-7fff-2727-11fc-3aff09f13210"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Realtor.com / Getty Images</em></p>

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"Absolute legend": Johnny Ruffo’s latest health update from hospital

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo has given another update into his health as he continues to undergo chemotherapy.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 34-year-old was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after struggling with multiple headaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo then announced in 2019 that he was in remission, but by November 2020 the cancer had returned, before confirming in 2022 that his illness is terminal.</p> <p dir="ltr">A new photo of the former <em>Home and Away</em> actor has emerged, showing Ruffo in hospital asleep on the bed following a round of chemo to treat his cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Catching up on some zzz’s whilst getting my chemo today,” the image was captioned.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiwxyA6Lv0p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiwxyA6Lv0p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from family and friends, with his girlfriend Tahnee Sims posting three angel emojis beneath the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are stronger than any of us can ever imagine,” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ur an absolute legend,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Stay strong Johnny!” another read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Johnny has recently released a memoir called No Finish Line, dedicated to his girlfriend, in which he details his experiences recording music, acting, his family and loved ones.</p> <p dir="ltr">The title, he explains, is that “it wasn’t the end”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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The 30 seconds that changed Johnny Ruffo’s life forever

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo made the (literal) last-minute decision to apply to the <em>X-Factor</em> auditions – a move which he now credits for his life changing irrevocably.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 34-year-old was still tossing up between whether or not he should apply for the singing show in 2009, and when he did he only had 30 seconds to do so before the cut-off kicked in and he would miss his chance forever.</p> <p dir="ltr">Of course, he went on to wow the judges and made it to the top three – which eventually saw him rise to fame and head off on tour tour with <em>One Direction</em> and <em>The Backstreet Boys</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was fairly happy with the path that I made for myself,” Ruffo says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had concerts, I was doing performances and shows, and I was really quite happy with how everything was going.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a few years later, in 2017, when Ruffo was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first diagnosed with brain cancer</a> as he struggled with multiple headaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">His girlfriend Tahnee Sims pushed him to go to hospital where he was told that if he hadn’t come in then he wouldn’t have woken up the next day.</p> <p dir="ltr">But the <em>Home and Away</em> actor has now revealed that his cancer is back and it is terminal.</p> <p dir="ltr">As he struggled through the headaches, Ruffo was forced to wait four months before seeing a specialist.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The anxiety levels go up through the roof and you’re just waiting and waiting,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/the-30-seconds-that-changed-johnny-ruffos-destiny-star-opens-up-on-life-after-terminal-diagnosis-c-8067616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 Entertainment</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And it’s like it feels like six months, but it’s only a week. And that’s just honestly... a day feels like a month.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It was only when he suffered 11 seizures in four days that Ruffo was rushed to hospital where he underwent an MRI scan.</p> <p dir="ltr">There they found multiple tumours and determined that he would have to start treatment immediately.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It felt like another kick in the teeth... yeah, dammit,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The terminal diagnosis gave Ruffo a new “goal” in which he is <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/he-is-everything-to-me-why-johnny-ruffo-is-hanging-on-for-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waiting for Christmas</a> where he will reunite with his brother and “best friend”, who has been away in Ireland for the past three years.</p> <p dir="ltr">He has also released a book, <em>No Finish Line</em>, dedicated to his girlfriend, in which he details his experiences recording music, acting, his girlfriend, family and partying.</p> <p dir="ltr">The title, he explains, is that “it wasn’t the end”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo is currently receiving chemotherapy injections every three weeks which he says are making him feel like “s***”.</p> <p dir="ltr">I’m always fatigued, just walking up a set of stairs,” he says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“By the time I get to the top I just want to have a sleep.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"He is everything to me": Why Johnny Ruffo is hanging on for Christmas

<p>Beloved former<em> Home and Away</em> star Johnny Ruffo has opened up amid his<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> terminal cancer diagnosis</a> sharing the emotional reason he is holding out for Christmas.</p> <p>After spending years in the public eye, Ruffo is telling his tragic yet heartwarming story in a memoir.</p> <p>The 34-year-old told 7entertainment in an exclusive interview that his terminal diagnosis has given him a new goal, that being, looking forward to Christmas time. Johnny will reunite with his brother and “best friend”, who has been away in Ireland for the past three years.</p> <p>The siblings share a two-year age gap and fondly says they are “thick as thieves”.</p> <p>Ruffo has also admitted that his greatest hopes in life have changed. “Just time now, I suppose," he said. "More time with loved ones."</p> <p>“My brother lives in Ireland now so I haven’t seen him for three years and he’s coming home for Christmas and I honestly can’t wait to see him.”</p> <p>The singer speaks highly of his brother, stating he is his “closest” confidante, other than girlfriend Tahnee Sims.</p> <p>“We’re thick as thieves. Honestly, he is my hero, he is everything to me. And I cannot wait to see him,” he said.</p> <p>“I don’t know how I’m going to react, I cannot wait, he’s everything.”</p> <p>Ruffo touched on the brothers’ long-distance relationship throughout COVID and his second battle with cancer, calling Michael’s physical absence “the most glaring impact” of it all.</p> <p>Ruffo called his last family Christmas “very quiet and low-key”.</p> <p>"Sadly, the most contact I could have with my brother in Ireland was via WhatsApp. All jokes aside, I miss him a lot because out of all the men in my life, my brother is the one who sees me even better than I can see myself.”</p> <p>Talking about what he plans to do with his remaining time, Ruffo said he “still has so many things that I want to achieve and that I want to do in life”.</p> <p>He revealed that naming the book <em>No Finish Line</em> meant it “wasn’t the end”.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Johnny Ruffo's devastating news

<p>Johnny Ruffo, former Home and Away superstar, has given a heartbreaking update on his cancer battle, confirming that his illness is terminal.</p> <p>Shooting quickly to fame on The X Factor in 2011, before landing a role on Home and Away, Johnny Ruffo has been an Aussie icon for quite some time now. The news of his brain cancer diagnosis in 2017 was devastating.</p> <p>In 2019, Johnny revealed he was all-clear of the disease but sadly in November the following year, he shared the development that his cancer had returned. Since then, he’s kept his loyal following updated on every step of the journey.</p> <p>“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” Johnny has said in the past.<br />“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me now it’s been five. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many as I can and also live a happy life.”</p> <p>Ruffo, whose new memoir, No Finish Line has just been released, shared that he is worried about how long-term girlfriend Tahnee Simms will cope without him.</p> <p>“You can only imagine how difficult it's been for her. What plays in my head a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it may be for her if something does happen to me," the actor said.</p> <p>"So, it's something that I don't want to think about. It just gets me a little bit emotional about it because I know at some point something will happen, whether it's, you know, a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years.”</p> <p>Earlier this year, Johnny praised Tahnee for sticking by his side during the toughest years of his life.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Johnny Ruffo marks five years since cancer diagnosis

<p>Johnny Ruffo has thanked his fans for sticking by him in an emotional Instagram post, as he marks five years since his life-changing cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The former <em>Home and Away</em> actor took to Instagram to share a series of photos from his years-long health battle, with some featuring his girlfriend Tahnee Sims.</p> <p>After first being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, Ruffo underwent his first surgery. </p> <p>Ruffo announced in 2019 that he was in remission, but by November 2020 the cancer had returned.</p> <p>“Still fighting this son of a b****,” Ruffo’s most recent post was captioned, with the blunt hashtag, “F*** cancer.”</p> <p>“Thanks for all the support,” he added.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg89A0rL-mm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg89A0rL-mm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Johnny received a flood of support in the comments, with Larry Emdur writing, "Luv ya, mate. Punch on and smash this!"</p> <p><em>Home and Away's</em> Emily Symons posted, “Sending so much love to you Johnny,” while his girlfriend simply said, "Superstar".</p> <p>Cameron Daddo called Ruffo a “brave and inspiring brother ... silky dancer too!,” referring to his recent appearance on <em>Dancing With The Stars</em>.</p> <p>“Your smile inspires the world, legend,” comedian Dave Hughes wrote, while entertainer Rhonda Burchmore said she was “sending big love.”</p> <p>On her own Instagram page, Tahnee Sims paid tribute to her boyfriend’s tenacity.</p> <p>“Five years on, in awe of you every single day,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Still a huge battle ahead but a major milestone reached that was at times uncertain."</p> <p>“Grateful for you always.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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Johnny Depp makes over $5 million in art sales

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Depp has made over $5 million in just a few hours through the sale of his debut art collection.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Hollywood actor sold 780 prints through Castle Fine Art's 37 galleries within hours of announcing the sale on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Friends And Heroes</em> collection depicts famous people who have inspired him, including Rolling Stone Keith Richards and Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I've always used art to express my feelings," the 59-year-old said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves."</p> <p dir="ltr">Depp said he used his art, which also depicted actor Al Pacino and folk legend Bob Dylan, to "reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire".</p> <p dir="ltr">All 780 artwords sold within hours after the sale was announced, with individual images going for almost $7,000, and the complete portfolio of four images selling for just over $26,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Depp's post on Instagram, captioned only "NOW AT #CASTLEFINEART", prompted a rush of traffic to the gallery's website causing it to crash within minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a press release, the gallery described the actor's work as existing "at the intersection of pop art and street art" and as "pop art with feeling".</p> <p dir="ltr">The gallery had long been in talks with Mr Depp about staging an exhibition and sale of his work, and expects to host more of it in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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How Heath Ledger inspired Johnny Depp’s donation to Australian hospital

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Depp has made a significant donation to an Australian children’s hospital, as part of a larger $1.17 million gift to charities around the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">The sum comes from the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) - digital assets that represent real-life products such as art and video games - which Depp raised through his NFT community, Never Fear Truth.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e5849e45-7fff-f569-d5d9-a9750f426720"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Depp’s donation will be split between the Perth Children’s Hospital, UK-based Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and Robert Downey Jr’s Footprint Coalition, which fundraises for non-profit organisations that focus on environmental sustainability.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/PCHFWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PCHFWA</a> Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (via CAF America)<a href="https://twitter.com/GOSHCharity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOSHCharity</a> Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (via CAF America)<a href="https://twitter.com/fp_coalition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fp_coalition</a> The Footprint Coalition<a href="https://twitter.com/ChildrensLA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChildrensLA</a> The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)</p> <p>— Never Fear Truth (@JohnnyDeppNFT) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnnyDeppNFT/status/1544413863839514625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Johnny Depp’s Never Fear Truth NFT sale was always intended to benefit charities and we are pleased to be able to confirm that nearly $800,000 ($AUD 1.17 million) in total donations have been contributed,” Never Fear Truth tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation issued a statement thanking the actor for his donation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you so much for your generosity in helping support PCHFWA and WA sick kids,” the organisation wrote on Twitter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“These funds will make a significant impact in helping keep (Perth Children’s Hospital) world-class for our children and families.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans praised Depp’s acts of kindness, and it turns out that his choice to support the West Australian hospital is particularly special.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e18ba45-7fff-2408-772d-b7792f5e3e27"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Part of the money raised through Depp’s NFT community came from the sale of an NFT depicting his painting of late actor Heath Ledger, who grew up in Perth.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbkRwlgDle1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbkRwlgDle1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Never Fear Truth (@johnnydeppnft)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Carrie Robinson, the CEO of PCHFWA, told <em>The West Australian</em> that Ledger’s family had nominated the hospital as the recipient of the money raised from the painting’s sale.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s great to see the legacy of Heath Ledger continuing to make an impact on the WA community,” Robinson said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other paintings included in the sale include portraits of Depp, his daughter Lily Rose, his friend and late actor River Phoenix, and Hollywood legends such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire,” Depp said when he offered his paintings publicly for the first time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No-one should ever limit themselves.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a46deee-7fff-39d9-efa7-f32189b75097"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

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"Walk the rooms": Inside the house that Johnny Cash built

<p>Johnny Cash's former home has hit the market, with the California property expected to sell for up to $1.8 million.</p> <p>Cash, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 71, shared the property with his first wife, Vivian Liberto, and the home is adorned with the relics of Johnny's love for music.</p> <p>The house features a wood-panelled recording studio, wall-mounted turn tables and a country motif living room.</p> <p>The artist reportedly built the 4,500 sq. ft. home in Casitas Springs, California, back in 1961 as an escape from his demanding lifestyle.</p> <p>Johnny and Vivian, along with their three daughters, spent six years in the homestead retreat, which was rumoured to be built to Cash's exact wishes.</p> <p>According to the listing agents of Douglas Elliman, "Johnny bought the land and built the house to his exact specifications, walking the rooms and deciding on exact placement and layout. He created a secluded sanctuary, unique to this rural small-town enclave. Longtime locals recount stories of Johnny setting up speakers on the hillside outside the house and playing concerts for the townspeople down below."</p> <p>Inside the five bedroom home, most rooms remain original to Johnny and Vivian's vision, with painted ceilings featuring a touch of glitter, an original wall-mounted turntable and intercom system, and curved brick fireplace in the family room.</p> <p>Despite a modern uplift in the his and hers suites, the property is undeniably Cash's with custom wood built-ins, exposed brick walls, natural wooden beams and a country motif living room.</p> <p>The grounds are equally mesmerizing with live oaks, verdant gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, and corrals and fields ready for horses, pigs, goats, chickens or other rural uses.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Douglas Elliman Realty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Juror reveals why Depp won

<p>A juror from the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial has spoken exclusively to Good Morning America about the trial verdict.</p> <p>The verdict ruled that Heard defamed Depp when she wrote a 2018 Washington Post op-ed alluding to her past claims of domestic violence.</p> <p>Heard is ordered to pay $US10.35 million (approx. $14.65 million) in damages to Depp.</p> <p>The juror, one of five men on the seven-person jury, shared that Heard's emotional testimony during the trial was not realistic.</p> <p>"The crying, the facial expressions that she had, the staring at the jury. All of us were very uncomfortable," the juror said. "She would answer one question and she would be crying, and two seconds later she would turn ice cold. Some of us used the expression 'crocodile tears.'"</p> <p>"A lot of the jury felt what [Depp] was saying, at the end of the day, was more believable," the juror added.</p> <p>"He just seemed a little more real in terms of how he was responding to questions. His emotional state was very stable throughout."</p> <p>Heard's team has claimed that social media and all of the vitriol against Heard on platforms such as TikTok swayed the jury in favor of Depp.</p> <p>As Heard said this week, "I think even the most well-intentioned juror... it would have been impossible to avoid this."</p> <p>The juror denied such accusations about social media, saying, "We followed the evidence... myself and other jurors don't use Twitter or Facebook. Others who had it, made a point not to talk about it."</p> <p>"What I think is truthful is that they were both abusive to each other," the juror concluded.</p> <p>"I don't think that makes either of them right or wrong... but to rise to the level of what she was claiming, there wasn't enough or any evidence that really supported what she was saying."</p> <p>The jury noted that one "fiasco" that hurt Heard during the trial was the reveal that she had not yet donated her $US7 million (approx. $9.9 million) divorce settlement to charity, despite claiming to do so.</p> <p>"She goes on a talk show in the U.K. and the video shows her sitting there, telling the host she gave all that money away," the juror said. "The terms she used in that video clip were, 'I gave it away, I donated it, it's gone.' But the fact is, she didn't give much of it away at all."</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Could the Depp v. Heard case make other abuse survivors too scared to speak up?

<p>Johnny Depp has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-02/verdict-delivered-johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial/101115246" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won his defamation suit</a> against his ex-wife Amber Heard for her Washington Post op-ed article published in 2018, which <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/01/arts/johnny-depp-amber-heard-verdict">stated</a> she was a “public figure representing domestic abuse”.</p> <p>The facts in every case are unique, and the jury is always in a better position to judge these facts than commentators relying on media reports.</p> <p>Nevertheless in such a high profile case as this, the verdict has a ripple effect that can go beyond the facts. The unfortunate reality is the Depp Heard case is likely to reinforce the fear that women who come forward with claims of sexual and domestic abuse will encounter a system in which they are unlikely to be believed.</p> <p>Reform is needed to better balance the protection of men’s individual reputations with the rights of women to speak about their experiences.</p> <p><strong>Defamation a tool of elite men</strong></p> <p>Depp was awarded more than US$10 million in damages after convincing the jury Heard was a malicious liar.</p> <p>This is despite the fact a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/06/01/johnny-depp-libel-law-uk-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK judge determined</a> in 2020 that it was “substantially true” Depp had assaulted Heard repeatedly during their relationship.</p> <p>After the verdict, Heard commented she was “heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway” of her famous ex-husband.</p> <p>Historically, the common law of defamation was built to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09612025.2021.1949822" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protect public men in their professions and trades</a>. It worked to both defend their reputations individually and shut down speech about them as a group.</p> <p><a href="https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/comulp2&amp;div=6&amp;g_sent=1&amp;casa_token=fybEy5Ip_goAAAAA:mZwcFssrx7DMteRZh-2VpbadOiPG52vukVjaL_zAG2Rr-r9-GIbN1HpUADIArNrKIooONYOmpoKf&amp;collection=journals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Data from the United States in the late 20th century</a> shows women comprise only 11% of plaintiffs bringing defamation suits.</p> <p>As legal scholar Diane Borden <a href="https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/comulp2&amp;div=6&amp;id=&amp;page=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has noted</a>, the majority of libel plaintiffs are “men engaged in corporate or public life who boast relatively elite standing in their communities”.</p> <p>Defamation trials – which run according to complex and idiosyncratic rules – are often lengthy and expensive, thus favouring those with the resources to instigate and pursue them.</p> <p>Various defences exist, including arguing that the comments are factually true, or that they were made on occasions of “qualified privilege”, where a person has a duty to communicate information and the recipient has a corresponding interest in receiving it.</p> <p>But in one way or another, disputes concerning allegations of sexual and domestic abuse usually come down to matters of credibility and believability that play on gendered stereotypes.</p> <p>It becomes another version of “he said, she said”, and as we’ve seen from the social media response to Amber Heard, women making these types of allegations are often positioned as vengeful or malicious liars before their cases even reach the courts. This is despite the fact <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/0375553f-0395-46cc-9574-d54c74fa601a/aihw-fdv-5.pdf.aspx?inline=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexual assault</a> and <a href="https://www.safesteps.org.au/understanding-family-violence/who-experiences-family-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intimate partner violence</a> are common, and <a href="https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2017-09/apo-nid107216_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">false reporting</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26679304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is rare</a>.</p> <p>In fact, most victims don’t tell the police, their employer or others what happened to them due to <a href="https://theconversation.com/almost-90-of-sexual-assault-victims-do-not-go-to-police-this-is-how-we-can-achieve-justice-for-survivors-157601" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fears</a> of not being believed, facing professional consequences, or being subject to <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-online-hate-for-amber-heard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shaming and further abuse</a>.</p> <p>Heard has received thousands of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/amber-heard-says-she-receives-death-threats-every-day-over-depp-claims-2022-05-26/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death threats</a> and suffered relentless mockery on social media.</p> <p><strong>Time for reform</strong></p> <p>The global #MeToo movement and recent Australian campaigns, such as those instigated by Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, encourage survivors to speak out and push collectively for change.</p> <p>But now, ruinous and humiliating defamation suits could further coerce and convince women to keeping their experiences quiet and private. Measures must be taken to better protect public speech on such matters.</p> <p>One potential way forward is for defamation trials involving imputations of gendered abuse to incorporate expert evidence about the nature of sexual and domestic violence in our society.</p> <p>For decades, <a href="https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/hwlj19&amp;div=8&amp;g_sent=1&amp;casa_token=&amp;collection=journals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">feminist legal scholars</a> fought for the inclusion of such evidence in criminal trials, especially those relating to matters of self-defence in domestic homicides and issues of consent in rape proceedings.</p> <p>Expert sociological and psychological evidence can combat and discredit ingrained patriarchal assumptions and myths – comments and questions such as “what was she wearing?”; “why didn’t she fight back?”; “why didn’t she just leave him?”; “why was she nice to him afterwards?” or “why didn’t she tell people at the time?”</p> <p>Otherwise, pervasive gender bias – often held by both men and women, judge and jury – can undermine the voices and accounts of women before they even set foot in court, before they even open their mouths.</p> <p>Defamation trials have not traditionally included such expert evidence. But now that they have become a powerful forum for silencing speech about gendered harm, perhaps it’s time they did so.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/184324/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-lake-126813" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jessica Lake</a>, Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-the-depp-v-heard-case-make-other-abuse-survivors-too-scared-to-speak-up-184324" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Inside Amber Heard's remote desert hideaway

<p>We've all learnt an awful lot about Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in light of the recent, very public trial.</p> <p>As the trial has <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/verdict-reached-in-depp-versus-heard-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached its conclusion,</a> yet another interesting piece of information about Heard has made its way into the public domain.</p> <p>Reportedly, the 36-year-old actor confirmed in her opening testimony that she lives in a sleepy town called Yucca Valley, which is located in the beautiful Mojave Desert. The town is roughly 200-kilometres east of Los Angeles and the rural locale is not a place where you'll find many A-listers.</p> <p>The locale only has about 22,000 residents total, and it's known for its art culture, as well as its proximity to celebrated places like Joshua Tree, Coachella and Palm Springs.</p> <p>The house itself was purchased by Heard in 2019; however, property records show the abode was bought through a trust attached to Heard's accountant.</p> <p>Costing USD $570,000 ($795,000) at the time, the unique 2015-built residence hoasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and sits on 24,281-square-metres of arid but beautiful land.</p> <p>Features include a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and floor to ceiling windows that no doubt provide Heard with exceptional views of the surrounding desert.</p> <p>Another distinct benefit of the property is a custom 34-metres bridge that enables occupants to cross a dried-up creek and access an elevated gazebo perched on a rocky hill.</p> <p>Although Heard purchased the property back in 2019, the mother-of-one only started living in the house earlier this year.</p> <p><em>Image: Domain</em></p>

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Verdict reached in Depp versus Heard trial

<p>A verdict has been reached in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial in Virginia, USA.</p> <p>Coming out largely in Depp's favour, Heard must pay him a total of $US15 million ($20.8 million) in damages, the jury have decided.</p> <p>However, as a result of her counterclaims, the jury said Depp must pay Heard $US2 million ($2.78 million).</p> <p>The jury unanimously found that Depp was defamed by Heard's op-ed titled, "I spoke up against sexual violence – and faced our culture's wrath. That has to change".</p> <p>They found the op-ed was about Depp despite him not being named in the piece. An exert read: "Then two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture's wrath for women who speak out."</p> <p>The jury also agreed that Heard acted with malice and further stated that she also made a defamatory statement when she said, "I had the rare vantage point of seeing, in real time, how institutions protect men accused of abuse."</p> <p>The jury then addressed Heard's countersuit, and supported one of her claims of defamation. In total, Heard was found to have been defamatory to Depp in all three of his claims, but Depp was only found to be defamatory in one of Heard's three counterclaims.</p> <p>The verdict was read out in the Virginia courtroom about 3:20 pm on Wednesday (5:20 am on Thursday AEST) but prior, after they first reached a decision, the judge asked for them to leave the court and fill out a form. </p> <p>Heard was present in the courtroom, and showed little to no reaction as the verdict was read out. Depp was not present at the time of the verdict.</p> <p>Depp's awarded damages total to $US15 million (approx. $20.8 million), but are comprised of $US10 million (approx. $14 million) in compensatory damages and $US5 million (approx. $7 million) in punitive damages.</p> <p>Under state law in Virginia, however, the maximum amount of punitive damages that can be paid is $US350,000 (approx. $490,000), which means Depp's ultimate monetary award is $US10.35 million (approx. $14.4 million).</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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