Actor Johnny Wactor died at the age of 37.
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, confirmed his death to PEOPLE and remembered his late client as a “spectacular human being.”
“Not only a talented actor who was dedicated to his craft, but also a true moral example to all who knew him. He stood for hard work, perseverance and a never-give-up attitude. Through the ups and downs of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and carried on to strive for the best it can be,” Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish upon anyone. He would literally take the shirt off your back. After over a decade together, he will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”
Wactor, best known for his General Hospital who plays Brando Corbin, was shot on Saturday, May 25, in Los Angeles, according to TMZ, which first reported the news and confirmed Wactor’s death with the actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, on May 26.
His mother told TMZ that Johnny and a colleague saw three men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although Johnny didn’t try to stop them, he was shot and then rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for more information.
General Hospital paid tribute to Johnny with a post on his official Instagram account on May 26. “Whole General Hospital the family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing,” the post read. “He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.”
Actress Sofia Mattsson, who has played Sasha Gilmore on the daytime series since 2018, commented on the post, writing: “You will be greatly missed Johnny. One of the most amazing people I have ever met ❤️.”
Johnny Wactor 2022.
Michael Tullberg/Getty
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Wactor’s acting credits date back to 2007, when he appeared in three episodes of the series Army wives. He continued to play roles in NCIS, The OA, Westworld, The Passenger, Station 19, Barbee Rehab, Siberia, Agent X, Vantastic, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Girl, Training Day, Criminal Minds and more.
Wactor hasn’t updated his social media accounts in months, but in a June 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote a heartfelt message to his followers.
“Have a nice day everyone,” he wrote. “Some helpful reminders shared with me today: Value your health and take care of it. Offer to help a loved one today. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have.”
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Source: HIS Education