Johnny Wactor has tragically died at 37 years old.
The American actor was best known for playing Brando Corbin in the series General Hospital and Johnny in the show Siberia.
He also starred in films such as USS: Indianapolis: Men of Courage and Supercell.
Wactor’s passing has been confirmed by his mother and tributes are now pouring in.
Over on X, formerly Twitter, one fan writes: “I am heartbroken. Absolutely senseless.”
Another adds: “RIP Johnny. You will be missed.”
A third pens: “Another devastating blow to the General Hospital family. Rest in peace, Johnny Wactor. Our time with you was way too short.”
“You were one of the good ones,” somebody else comments. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
General Hospital has also shared a statement on its X account: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/2wlIM1TpAB
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 27, 2024
Wactor’s talent agent David Shaul confirmed the star’s untimely passing to Variety.
He described him as a ‘spectacular human being’ and said he was ‘committed to his craft’, adding: “After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
Wactor’s mother Scarlett told TMZ that the 37-year-old was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles early Saturday morning.
She confirmed to NBC4 that her son was shot while trying to stop a group of three men from attempting to steal his car’s catalytic converter.
The outlet reports that catalytic converters are popular target for thieves as they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.
Wactor’s younger brother, Grant, told the Daily Mail that the actor was walking his female co-worker to their vehicles when he discovered the group of men at his car.
“He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed,” he revealed. “So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?’ And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his co-worker behind him. And that’s when they shot him.”
One of the suspects fired at the victim and the trio then fled the scene.
Wactor would be pronounced dead at the hospital.
His mother told NBC4: “I just don’t understand what a senseless coward act by that person.”
Descriptions of the suspects have yet to be made available – Wactor’s mother says she hopes they are found quickly.
The actor is survived by his mother and younger brothers Lance and Grant.
Wactor isn’t the only star from General Hospital to have passed in recent months.
Tyler Christopher, who played Nikolas Cassadine in the long-running medical drama, died in October 2023.
His cause of death was confirmed to be from positional asphyxia due to acute alcohol intoxication, with coronary artery atherosclerosis being a contributing factor.
Robyn Bernard, who played Terry Brock in General Hospital, died aged 64 in March 2024.
The actress’ cause of death has not been disclosed.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the LAPD’s Central Station at 213-486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
