37-year-old actor Johnny Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the soap opera “General Hospital,” was shot and killed early Saturday morning in downtown Los Angeles.
The incident occurred around 3:25 a.m. PT (10:25 a.m. GMT) at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Wactor was returning to his car after work when he encountered three men attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle. Believing his car was being towed, Wactor approached the men to inquire, at which point one of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding him.
Wactor was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, expressed deep sorrow, describing him as “an outstanding human being” and “a real moral example to everyone who knew him.” Shaul added, “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
His mother, Scarlett Wactor, recounted to NBC4 how her son, accompanied by a coworker after leaving a downtown rooftop bar, mistook the thieves for someone towing his car. She described the killing as “senseless.”
Johnny Wactor had a promising career in acting, with notable roles in “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022, the 2013 NBC series “Siberia,” and appearances in “Criminal Minds” and “Westworld.”
The producers of “General Hospital” paid tribute to Wactor, remembering him as “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day.”
The LAPD continues to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise due to the valuable metals they contain, making them a frequent target for thieves.
