Johnny Wactor, the beloved actor known for his role as Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was tragically shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt. He was 37 years old.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Wactor was with a coworker when they noticed three men tampering with his vehicle. Despite not resisting or attempting to stop the theft, Wactor was fatally shot by one of the suspects. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The suspects fled the scene, and police have not yet provided a description of them.
Wactor’s death was confirmed by his talent agent, David Shaul, who expressed deep sorrow and admiration for the actor. “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. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” Shaul said in a statement. “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.”
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, also shared her grief, describing her son as a loving young man whose death has left a significant void in the family’s hearts. She expressed hope that the suspects would be found quickly to bring justice for her son’s untimely death.
Wactor began his acting career in 2007 with appearances in the Lifetime drama series “Army Wives,” where he played various guest roles until 2009. Over the next two decades, he built an impressive resume, featuring in popular television series such as “Westworld,” “The OA,” “NCIS,” “Station 19,” “Criminal Minds,” “Hollywood Girl,” and “Training Day.” He also appeared in numerous short films, including “The Grass Is Never Greener,” “GoldenBox,” “The Con-Artist,” “Flyover States,” and “The Interrogation.”
From 2020 to 2022, Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” a character beloved by fans for his depth and complexity. His portrayal of Brando, the son of Gladys Corbin (Bonnie Burroughs) and husband to drug addict Sasha Corbin (Sofia Mattsson), resonated with many viewers. During his tenure on the show, he appeared in more than 160 episodes, leaving a lasting impact on the soap opera’s audience.
In addition to his television roles, Wactor featured in several feature films, most notably the 2016 war drama “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage,” directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Nicolas Cage, Tom Sizemore, and Thomas Jane. Other film credits include “Menthol,” “Ever,” “Trapper’s Edge,” “Supercell,” and “Dead Talk Tales: Volume I.” In 2022, he wrote and starred in the short film “Broken Riders.”
The sudden and senseless loss of Johnny Wactor has deeply affected his fans, colleagues, and loved ones, who remember him as a dedicated actor and a kind, generous individual. His legacy will endure through his diverse body of work and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.