Johnny Wactor, the actor best known for his role on long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died after being shot during a suspected robbery in Los Angeles. He was 37.
His mother, Scarlett, first confirmed his death to TMZ. The Los Angeles police department later confirmed that Wactor was shot around 3am on Saturday after confronting three men who were allegedly attempting to steal the catalytic converter from a vehicle.
The police were called and Wactor was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and have not been arrested, police said. The investigation continues.
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, also confirmed his death to Variety. “Johnny Wactor was spectacular human being,” Shaul wrote in a statement. “Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude.”
He described working with Wactor as a privilege: “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
Wactor was born in 1986 in Charleston, South Carolina. His first television role was in the Lifetime drama series Army Wives, and he went on to appear in a number of guest roles in shows such as Westworld, The OA, and Criminal Minds.
From 2020 to 2022, Wactor appeared in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital, where he played the character Brando Corbin.
General Hospital issued a statement on Sunday: “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
He is survived by his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers Lance and Grant.
