How American actor Johnny Wactor was killed in robbery gone wrong

Johnny Wactor, best known for his role on the acclaimed television series General Hospital, died at 37 after being involved in a fatal shooting. The incident occurred on May 25 in downtown Los Angeles as Wactor attempted to stop a group of thieves tampering with his car, his mother confirmed to NBC Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department received a call at 3:25 a.m. about a man shot after encountering three individuals attempting to remove a catalytic converter from his vehicle.

According to a police spokesperson, one of the suspects used a handgun to shoot Wactor, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The three suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, also confirmed the actor’s death. “Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being,” Shaul stated to Variety.

“Not just a talented actor 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.”

Shaul added,

“In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be. 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.”

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Johnny Wactor had been acting onscreen for more than 15 years. He began his Hollywood career in 2007 with a role in the series Army Wives. In 2013, he starred in the short-lived supernatural drama Siberia as a South Carolina competitive bull rider, also named Johnny.

Wactor’s career included appearances on shows such as Hollywood Girl, Criminal Minds, NCIS, The OA, and Westworld. He also appeared in the 2016 movie USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage alongside Nicolas Cage and Tom Sizemore, who passed away last year at 61.

Wactor gained widespread fame in 2020 when he debuted as Brando Corbin on General Hospital, a role he played in over 160 episodes until 2022.