Johnny Wactor, best known for his role in General Hospital, tragically passed away at the age of 37.
The actor, who had graced nearly 200 episodes of the long-running drama series, was shot and killed in Los Angeles early Saturday morning.
According to reports, Johnny encountered a group of three men acting suspiciously near his car after leaving his job at a rooftop bar.
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The incident, which occurred around 3 am, unfolded when Johnny, accompanied by a female co-worker, noticed the men and approached them, initially thinking his car was being towed.
As he got closer, it became clear the men were tampering with his vehicle. Despite not confronting them, Johnny was shot by one of the masked individuals before they fled the scene.
Paramedics quickly arrived and transported Johnny to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His mother, Scarlett, shared the heartbreaking news with TMZ and described the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Johnny’s brother Grant, speaking to ABC7, expressed that his brother’s actions were in line with their upbringing, noting, “We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.”
Authorities believe the suspects were attempting to steal a catalytic converter, a crime that has been on the rise in various cities.
While the perpetrators have yet to be identified, Johnny’s mother remains hopeful that justice will be served soon.
Fans of Johnny Wactor have taken to social media to express their grief and offer condolences to his family. Tributes have poured in, with one fan writing, “RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place.”
Another reflected, “How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight.”
Johnny’s career began in 2007 with roles on the Lifetime series Army Wives, and he went on to appear in popular shows such as NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA, and Westworld.
His most notable role was Brando Corbin on General Hospital, a character he portrayed from 2020 until 2022.
Johnny Wactor is survived by his mother, Scarlett, and his younger brothers, Grant and Lance. The loss of such a talented actor has left a significant void in the entertainment community and among his devoted fans.
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