Johnny Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on General Hospital (GH), died aged 37.
As reported by TMZ, Wactor was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles.
Scarlett Wactor, the late actor’s mother, told the news outlet that her son and his coworkers noticed three men tampering with his car, and despite not confronting them, Wactor was shot before the suspects fled the scene.
Paramedics arrived shortly after 3 a.m. and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Wactor appeared in the ABC daytime soap between 2020 and 2022. His character, Brando Corbin, joined the show as the son of Gladys (Bonnie Burroughs), who was previously believed to be dead. Brando married Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) and eventually died after being stabbed by The Hook.
Wactor’s friends and coworkers paid their tributes.
Mattsson, who played his on-screen wife and later widower, shared she was “utterly heartbroken.”
“Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working 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’m 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. You will be so incredibly missed Johnny … I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there,” she wrote on the social media.
Co-star John Lindstrom expressed his grief and felt “sick to his stomach” when he learned the news. He added, “Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with the world.”
“I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know that’s impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane,” he added.
William DeVry also shared his sorrow, “Honestly, words can’t begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum. The senselessness of this lose is beyond description. Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP #JohnnyWactor & much love & comfort to those who loved him.”
TV anchor Frank Buckley paid his tributes, “Saddened and angered to hear that actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed by suspects trying to steal his catalytic converter. He was in a staged reading of one of Elena’s screenplays in 2021..great in the role and couldn’t have been nicer. We send our condolences to his family.”
Journalist and producer Michael Fairman was among those who expressed heartbreak over Wactor’s tragic passing. “I am just gut-punched over this as we all our. My thoughts are with Johnny’s mom and brothers at this time.”
In television, Wactor appeared in shows like Army Wives (2007), Siberia (2013), Agent X (2015), Vantastic (2016), Animal Kingdom (2016), Hollywood Girl (2010), Training Day (2017), Criminal Minds (2017), Struggling Servers (2017), Age Appropriate (2017), NCIS (2019), The OA (2019), Westworld (2020), The Passenger (2020), Station 19 (2023), and Barbee Rehan (2023).
In a since-deleted Instagram video, Johnny thanked fans for their support, acknowledging their loyalty and engagement. He praised them as the “greatest” in the world, expressing gratitude for their passion and support, whether they were excited or outraged by his character’s death.
Speaking of being part of General Hospital, Wactor said, “We get to show up and bring these stories to life and bring these characters to life. And it just makes our job that much sweeter. It’s already the coolest job in the world to get to act. To see how much you guys care and how much stake it has, I’m just so blessed and I’m gonna miss you guys.”
He’s outlived by his mother, and his younger brothers, Lance and Grant.
We are so sorry for this incredible man’s loss. May he rest in peace.