“General Hospital” actor was 37

Actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37.

Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, confirmed his death to PEOPLE and remembered his late client as “a spectacular human being.”

“Not only was he a talented actor dedicated to his craft, but he was a true moral example to all who knew him. He represented hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. Through the ups and downs of a demanding profession, he always kept his head up and continued to strive to be the best he could be,” said Shaul. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on anyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”

Wactor, known for his General Hospital Role as Brando Corbin, was shot and killed in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 25, according to TMZ, which was first to report the news and confirmed Wactor’s death on May 26 along with the actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor.

His mother told TMZ that Johnny and a co-worker saw three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car. Johnny didn’t try to stop them, but was shot and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.

PEOPLE has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department for further information.

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Wactor’s acting career began in 2007 when he appeared in three episodes of Army women. He played roles in NCIS, The OA, Westworld, The Passenger, Station 19, Barbee Rehab, Siberia, Agent X, Vantastic, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Girl, Training Day, Criminal Minds and more.

Wactor hasn’t updated his social media accounts in months, but in a June 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote a heartfelt message to his followers.

“Have a great day everyone,” he wrote. “A few helpful reminders I received today: Appreciate your health and take care of it. Offer help to your neighbor today. Be thankful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have.”