LOS ANGELES (KABC)– Former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting a catalytic converter theft, his family confirmed Sunday.
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. Saturday in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street. LAPD investigators say three men were trying to steal a catalytic converter when the car’s owner approached them.
Scarlett Wactor told ABC7 that her 37-year-old son was leaving his job at a downtown rooftop bar and walking with one of his co-workers when he saw what looked like someone working on his car .
He initially thought his car was being towed, she said, and he approached the person to ask if that was the case. But when the suspect looked up, he was wearing a mask and opened fire.
Three suspects fled in a vehicle, according to police. Paramedics took Wactor to a local hospital and he was pronounced dead there.
Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022, appearing in over 160 episodes before the character was written off.
General Hospital released a statement Sunday: “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Johnny Wactor. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time. »
Wactor has also appeared in a variety of films and television series, including “Station 19,” “NCIS,” “Westworld,” and the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”
Among his other interests, Wactor’s Instagram page details his fondness for outdoor sports and adventures, such as rock climbing and rodeo.
Tributes poured in from those who knew and worked with Wactor.
“Johnny Wactor was such a kind soul, a talented actor and an inspiration to those around him,” said Wactor’s manager, Marco Cuadros of Immortal Artists. “His professionalism, enthusiasm and love for his profession were contagious and made him a real pleasure to work with. He pursued his dreams and made them come true, while remaining a good human being who cares for others. I am proud to say that I was Johnny’s manager and friend will always remain engraved in my memory. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Sofia Mattsson, who played Wactor’s wife on General Hospital, wrote:
“My heart is so broken… Johnny was the best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hardworking and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him feels seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and am a better person for having known him. We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen. and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart. Johnny will be greatly missed…I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there.
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