Johnny Wactor, known for his role on “General Hospital,” tragically lost his life early Saturday morning after trying to save his female co-worker. His family and friends are distraught by the loss and are hoping justice will be served.
Johnny Wactor, a beloved star of the soap opera “General Hospital,” was tragically killed in Los Angeles on Saturday after saving his female co-worker from armed car thieves.
Johnny had been working a side job at a rooftop bar and was leaving with his co-worker around 3:25 a.m. on West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street. When he saw three masked men near his vehicle, he initially thought his car was being towed.
He went up to the men to ask what was going on, but quickly realized the car was not being towed when one of the men pointed a gun at him. Acting heroically, Johnny put himself between the gunman and his colleague and took a shot in his chest.
View this post on Instagram
The suspects were reportedly attempting to steal the catalytic converter from Johnny’s vehicle. But after shooting the actor, they fled the scene in another car. The actor was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. However, the suspects have still not been arrested.
Johnny’s younger brother, Grant, confirmed the tragic news. He was not surprised that his brother died helping someone because they were raised as “Southern gentlemen” who always put others first. “We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,” Grant said.
Grant and his grandmother Barbara did not know which bar Johnny worked at, but they knew he usually took on side gigs as a bartender. However, the brother knew his brother as a hard worker and a kind soul.
He reiterated, “My brother was probably the hardest-working person I’ve ever met in my life. He was a great brother and son. Anyone he touched, he made a great impact. He was as charismatic in real life as he was on camera. And he was always genuine, through and through.”
Johnny’s grandmother, Barbara, was distraught about the loss. She expressed. “We are completely devastated. He was just walking to his car. It’s senseless.”
View this post on Instagram
The actor’s death has touched many, including some of his co-stars on “General Hospital” and fans of the show. Perry Shen, a fellow actor on the show, remembered Johnny as a “beautiful, beautiful soul.”
“Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well. We all were cheated of many years with him,” Perry added.
Co-star Jon Lindstrom also expressed his heartbreak, writing, “Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with the world.
“I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know that’s impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane. For a long time to come. R.I.P.,” he added.
Wactor is survived by his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers, Lance and Grant. His family and fans are left to mourn the loss of a talented and kind-hearted individual whose life was cut tragically short.
Johnny’s mother is still hoping for the suspects to be found. Her son Grant also hopes his brother will get justice. “I am glad in a way that this is getting the publicity so that it could shed some light that things need to change or find ways so that no one else has to experience this – whether it be a murder or being at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.
Despite the tragedy, Johnny’s legacy lives on through his prolific acting career. Johnny was in over 160 episodes of “General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. But outside of the medical series he also had many more acting credits. He appeared in “Siberia” (2013) and “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” (2016).
Additionally, he directed and wrote the music video “There to Catch Me” for The Nashvillains. He also received multiple accolades throughout his career, including nominations for Favorite General Hospital Actor at the Annual Soup Hub Awards in both 2020 and 2021.
Johnny’s character, Brando Corbin, gained popularity on “GH” but was eventually written off as the first victim of Port Charles’ serial killer, “The Hook.” He played the role from 2020 until 2022.
View this post on Instagram
Reflecting on his time on the show, Johnny expressed his gratitude to fans. In a since-deleted Instagram video, Johnny thanked fans for their support, acknowledging their loyalty and engagement.
He praised the fans as the “greatest” in the world, expressing gratitude for their passion and support, whether they were excited or outraged by his character’s death.
He disclosed how lucky he felt to have been part of the show. “We get to show up and bring these stories to life and bring these characters to life. And it just makes our job that much sweeter. It’s already the coolest job in the world to get to act. To see how much you guys care and how much stake it has, I’m just so blessed and I’m gonna miss you guys,” he said.
Before he died, Johnny spoke about his exit from the medical series, expressing that he had “no bad blood” with “GH” for killing off his character. He also recalled his final moments on set.
The late actor shared that he gave a speech due to his meaningful experiences and relationships with the cast and crew. He anticipated wanting to say something because of his time there and admitted he felt a bit emotional while speaking.
Johnny was the latest “GH” star to pass away this year. Actress Robyn Bernard also tragically died last March. Robyn’s body was found in an open field behind a business block in San Jacinto, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s police report.
She gained fame on “GH” for her role as Terry Brock, appearing in about 145 episodes from 1984 to 1990. Her final role was in 2002, for the movie “Voices From the High School,” where she played a psychologist. Soon after, Robyn chose to lead a private life and stayed out of the spotlight until her death at 64.
