LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles while thwarting the theft of catalytic converters, his family confirmed Sunday.
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street, when the car’s owner approached and said three men were trying to steal a catalytic converter, according to LAPD investigators.
Scarlett Wachter told ABC7 her 37-year-old son was walking with a coworker after work at a rooftop bar downtown when he saw what appeared to be someone working on his car.
The suspect initially appeared to think his car was being towed and approached the man to ask if that was the case, but when he looked up he saw he was wearing a mask and opened fire, police said.
Police said the three suspects fled in a vehicle. Paramedics transported Wachter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Wachter played Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022, appearing in more than 160 episodes before the role was canceled.
General Hospital released a statement Sunday: “The entire General Hospital staff is heartbroken to learn of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a joy to work with every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Wachter has also appeared in various films and television series, including “Station 19,” “NCIS,” “Westworld” and the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”
Wachter’s Instagram page details his love of outdoor sports and adventure, including rock climbing and rodeo, among other hobbies.
Tributes poured in from those who knew Wachter and those who worked with him.
“Johnny Wactor was a gifted actor with the kindest heart and an inspiration to all around him,” said Wachter’s manager, Marco Cuadros of Immortal Artists. “His professionalism, passion and love for his work was infectious and he was a joy to work with. He pursued and achieved his dreams, while always remaining a good human being who cared about others. I am proud to have been Johnny’s manager and friend, and he will always be cherished in my memory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Sofia Mattsson, who played Wachter’s wife on General Hospital, wrote:
“My heart is completely broken…Johnny was the best. So genuine and so caring. Incredibly hard-working and humble. He had the biggest heart and spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I have the utmost respect for him as a person and I am a better person for having known him. We shared so many special moments both on and off screen that I will cherish in my heart forever. I will miss you so much Johnny…I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone in heaven.”
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