General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37 after being shot during an attempted car theft in Los Angeles, TMZ reported on Sunday (May 26), citing Wactor's mother and local police.
Wactor and a colleague reportedly spotted three suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car. The actor confronted the men and, despite not putting up a fight, was shot before the thieves fled the scene.
Wactor was pronounced dead at a local hospital just after 3:00 p.m. PT., KTLA reported. The suspects linked to Wactor's death had not been identified publicly at the time of TMZ's initial report on Sunday.
Wactor is best known for his role as Brando Corbin the ABC soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes between 2020 and 2022. The actor also made appearances on the NBC supernatural drama Siberia and made a guest appearance on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.
“Johnny Wactor was 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. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” said David Shaul, a talent agent who represented the actor, in a statement to Variety. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”