Johnny Wactor, known for his role as Brando Corbin on the TV soap "General Hospital," tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in Los Angeles. The 37-year-old actor confronted thieves who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his truck, leading to his fatal shooting. The incident occurred around 3:25 am on Saturday near West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street.
Wactor was leaving his side job at a rooftop bar with a female colleague when he saw three masked men near his car, initially believing it was being towed. One of the men shot him before they fled in a separate vehicle. Despite prompt medical attention, Wactor was pronounced dead at the hospital. The suspects remain at large and have not been identified.
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, mentioned that her son did not try to fight the thieves or prevent the theft. His brother, Grant, confirmed that Wactor was shot in the chest while trying to protect his colleague, adhering to the Southern gentlemanly values they were raised with.
Johnny Wactor had a notable career, appearing in over 160 episodes of "General Hospital" from 2020 to 2022. He also featured in the 2013 NBC drama "Siberia" and had roles in series like "The OA," "The Passenger," "Westworld," and "Hollywood Girl." He recently worked on the horror anthology "Dead Talk Tales: Volume I" and had other projects in production.
His passing has deeply affected his colleagues and fans. Co-star Perry Shen praised Wactor's talent and character, expressing sorrow over the loss. Another co-star, Jon Lindstrom, remembered him as a kind, unassuming, and humble individual.
This incident adds to the troubling crime statistics in Los Angeles, where murders have increased by 4.2% as of April 2024 compared to the previous year. Catalytic converter thefts, a prevalent issue, have contributed to rising theft rates. Stolen converters, often sold through complex illegal networks, can be removed in under a minute and are expensive to replace.
Johnny Wactor is survived by his mother Scarlett and his brothers Lance and Grant. His death leaves a significant void in his family and among his fans and colleagues.
