Former General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor killed in Los Angeles while preventing the theft of a catalytic converter

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while preventing the theft of a catalytic converter, 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 owner of the car approached them.

Scarlett Wactor told ABC7 that her 37-year-old son was leaving work at a downtown rooftop bar and was walking with one of his coworkers when he saw someone apparently working on his car.

He initially thought his car was being towed, she said, and 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, police said. Paramedics took Wactor to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Wactor played Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022, appearing in more than 160 episodes before the character was written off.

General Hospital issued a statement on Sunday: “The entire General Hospital family is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Johnny Wactor. He was truly one of a kind and it was a joy to work with him every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Wactor has also appeared in numerous films and television series, including “Station 19,” “NCIS,” “Westworld,” and the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”

On his Instagram page, Wactor describes, among other things, his love of outdoor sports and adventures such as climbing and rodeo.

Numerous tributes were received from people who knew Wactor and had worked with him.

“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 craft were infectious and made working with him a great pleasure. He pursued his dreams and achieved them while remaining a good person who cared for others. I am proud to say that I was Johnny’s manager and friend. He will always be fondly remembered. 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 absolute 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 felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and I am a better person for having known him. We shared so many special moments together, both on screen and in personal life, and I will hold them deep in my heart forever. You will be so incredibly missed Johnny… I’m sure you are already busy taking care of everyone up there.”