'General Hospital' Actor Shot Dead During Car Theft That Went Wrong, Mom Confirms
Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles during a suspected car theft attempt on Saturday morning. He was 37.
Wactor, best known for his portrayal of Brando Corbin in the TV soap opera "General Hospital," was with a co-worker when they saw three men messing with his car, his mother Scarlett told TMZ. Scarlett said she was told her son did not try to fight or stop the three suspects from stealing his vehicle's catalytic converter, but the men shot him anyway before they took off.
Per the police, paramedics were dispatched to the scene around 3 a.m. PT. The actor was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
The actor's talent agent, David Shaul, also confirmed the news of his passing to Variety on Sunday.
"Johnny Wactor was [a] spectacular human being, 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. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be," Shaul said in a statement.
"Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."
Johnny is survived by his mom and his younger brothers, Lance and Grant.
With reports of his death circulating online, many of his colleagues and fans left messages on his pinned and most recent Instagram posts.
"Johnny! No, not you! I am so devastated that you are no longer with us. My heart is broken over this news. You were one of the best humans I have ever known. My heart is with your family during this time. Rest in peace, my friend!" commented actress Leah Briese.
"This truly broke my heart. You'll be so missed," wrote actress Pamela Mitchell.
"So sad that your life was cut short by damn thieves," commented one netizen.
"Rest in peace, Johnny. So deeply sorry this happened. Our prayers to your family and GH family," someone else added.
Aside from "General Hospital," Johnny appeared on other shows, including, "Dead Talk Tales: Volume I," "Barbee Rehab," "Supercell," "Station 19," "Trapper's Edge," "The Passenger," "Westworld," "Siberia," "Criminal Minds" and "USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage," among many others.
