In the early morning of May 25th, 2024, actor Johnny Wactor, best known for his role in “General Hospital,” was killed during a confrontation with thieves in downtown Los Angeles, California.
Wactor was shot near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street around 3:25 a.m. while trying to prevent the theft of his car’s catalytic converter.
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, stated that her son and a female colleague had just left their jobs at a downtown rooftop bar and were returning to their vehicles when they spotted three men tampering with Wactor’s car. Wactor, mistaking the situation for a towing, approached the group to question them. One of the men then drew a gun and started shooting.
The 37-year-old actor was critically wounded and quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was later declared dead. The suspects managed to escape in a vehicle and remain at large, with no arrests yet reported.
In a conversation with local press, Scarlett Wactor shared her grief over her son’s untimely demise. “Johnny was always trying to help others, even in dangerous situations. He didn’t deserve this,” she said.
David Shaul, Wactor’s agent, also expressed his sorrow, labeling Wactor a “spectacular human being” and a “moral example to everyone who knew him.”
Wactor played the character of Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. He also held roles in several other TV shows, including “Westworld,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Station 19.”
Sofia Mattsson, a co-star from “General Hospital” who portrayed his love interest, said, “Johnny was genuine, caring, and incredibly hardworking. He ensured that everyone around him felt acknowledged, listened to, and cared for.”
Wactor frequently took on additional shifts as a bartender in between his acting jobs and was on duty later into the night than was typical when he met his untimely death, according to his mother.
There has been a significant increase in the theft of catalytic converters in California, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These auto parts contain valuable metals and can fetch high prices in illegal markets. The surge in such thefts has prompted the state to enact new laws imposing stricter punishments for buyers who fail to verify the lawful origins of a catalytic converter.
Following Wactor’s death, former colleagues and fans turned to social media to share their grief and memories. The General Hospital production team issued a statement, saying, “Johnny was genuinely unique and a joy to work with every single day. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this challenging period.”
The investigation into Wactor’s death continues, and the LAPD is appealing to the public for any relevant information.
