Fans 'heartbroken' as 'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor is fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles during theft attempt

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Johnny Wactor, 37, renowned for his role in the long-running soap opera 'General Hospital', lost his life in a shooting incident in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning, May 25.

His death was confirmed by his talent agent, David Shaul, in a statement to Variety. He noted, "Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude."

"He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever," concluded the grieving agent. 

Johnny Wactor was apparently shot during a theft attempt

The Los Angeles Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the vicinity of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street at approximately 3.25 am on Saturday.

Upon arrival, they discovered a man with a gunshot wound, later identified as Wactor. The actor was apparently shot after confronting three individuals who were allegedly trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car.

Wactor was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The perpetrators escaped in a vehicle and remain at large, as per police statements. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Johnny Wactor is remembered as a 'light in a dark room'

Wactor's representative, Sarabeth Schedeen, conveyed in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, "Johnny Wactor was an extraordinary actor and friend. The world's light has dimmed today. Among his many enviable gifts were generosity, dedication, discipline, empathy, and a perseverance beyond compare."

She continued, "Additionally, he was an athletes athlete. Pushing himself hard physically as he did personally and professionally. In a roller-coaster industry and our many years together he rode life’s ups and downs with optimism and grace. Johnny stood for moral greatness in all areas. He is a profound loss to all who worked with him and knew him." 

Wactor's mother, Scarlett, characterized her son as "a light in a dark room." She said, "There is a huge hole in all of us, and there is no fixing that," according to NBC News.

Reflecting on the challenges of the entertainment industry, Scarlett remarked, "I thought he was almost going to starve to death out there."

She concluded by saying, "I think that when I see Johnny on the videos and the recordings, I can only hope that he's doing that in heaven and enjoying it."

Johnny Wactor appeared in 164 episodes of the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital'

Wactor was born on August 31, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina. His television journey commenced with a debut on the drama series 'Army Wives' in 2007, where he assumed various guest roles until 2009.

In 2013, he took on the character Johnny in the supernatural drama 'Siberia', which ran for a single season. 

Wactor’s other TV acting credits include 'Westworld', 'Hollywood Girl', 'The Passenger', 'Barbee Rehab', 'Station 19', 'Agent X', 'Animal Kingdom', 'Criminal Minds', and 'NCIS', among others. 

From 2020 to 2022, Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin in the long-running ABC soap opera 'General Hospital', amassing 164 episodes.

The team of 'General Hospital' took to Instagram on Sunday to write, "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."

Fans mourn the loss of Johnny Wactor

Soon after the news of Wactor's death came to light, fans and relatives poured their hearts out on social media.

One said, "So sad. Wactor was such a fine actor. Condolences to his family and his GH family," and another wrote, "So sad to hear rest in peace you were a great person and actor.i hope they catch whoever took your life away too soon" 

A person expressed, "I'm so heartbroken and disgusted. 💔 I'm so grateful I was able to meet him in April 2022 when my mom and I went to a GHFantasy event. He was always so sweet and kind to me. RIP Johnny. You will be so missed 🙏🏻💙," while someone else added, "This is terrible, how absolutely tragic. RIP." T

One more noted, "Gone to soon.A very talented actor and I heard he was very humble. So sorry for his family and friends loss. 😢❤️."

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