In the early morning of May 25th, 2024, Johnny Wactor, a renowned actor from the show “General Hospital,” was tragically shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles, California. He was attempting to prevent the theft of a catalytic converter from his car. The incident happened around 3:25 a.m. close to Pico Boulevard and Hope Street.
Scarlett Wactor, the actor’s mother, reported that her son and a female colleague had just wrapped up their shift at a downtown rooftop bar. They were heading towards their parked cars when they observed three men meddling with Wactor’s vehicle. Thinking his car was being towed, Wactor approached the group to question their activities. Unfortunately, one of the suspects retaliated by pulling out a firearm and shooting him.
Wactor, aged 37, was gravely injured by the gunshot and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he was eventually pronounced dead. The criminals escaped the scene in a vehicle, and no arrests have been made so far.
In a conversation with local media, Scarlett Wactor expressed her profound grief over the loss of her son. “Johnny was always trying to help others, even in dangerous situations. He didn’t deserve this,” she conveyed. Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, joined in expressing his sorrow, lauding Wactor as a “spectacular human being” and an “ethical exemplar for those who knew him.”
Johnny Wactor had a successful acting career, most notably playing Brando Corbin in almost 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. He also made appearances in other popular shows, including “Westworld,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Station 19.” His “General Hospital” co-star, Sofia Mattsson, who portrayed his on-screen love interest, shared her sorrow, saying, “Johnny was genuine, caring, and incredibly hardworking. He ensured that everyone around him felt acknowledged, listened to, and cared for.”
The theft of catalytic converters, which contain valuable metals that can be sold for a significant amount of money, has been on the rise in California, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in theft has prompted new legislation aimed at imposing stricter penalties on buyers who fail to ensure a catalytic converter’s legal acquisition.
Following the tragic news of Wactor’s death, former colleagues and fans have been expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories on social media. The General Hospital production team released 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 LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wactor’s death and encourages anyone with relevant information to step forward. Scarlett Wactor hopes the tragic incident involving her son will increase public awareness about the risks of confronting criminals.
