General Hospital star Johnny Wactor killed while protecting colleague from gunfire: report

Johnny Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin in General Hospital, was shot dead Saturday in downtown Los Angelesat the age of 37. Today, new details are emerging regarding his tragic death.

The actor was shot and killed early Saturday morning during a suspected catalytic converter theft in downtown Los Angeles. TMZ was the first to break the news after speaking with his mother, Scarlett.

Johnny’s brother Grant said The daily mail On Monday, the actor was finishing his shift as a bartender and leaving the establishment with an unidentified colleague when they saw the thieves around his vehicle.

Grant told the outlet that his brother thought his car was being towed, but when he realized what was happening, he protected his co-worker by stepping in front of her and blocking her with his body.

“We’re Southern, we’re born and raised, and we would never let a woman walk to her car alone,” Grant said. The daily mail. “He passed them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?'”

“Once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his colleague behind him,” Grant said. “That’s when they shot him.”

The actor’s mother previously said TMZ that her son did not attempt to fight or stop the men, but they shot him anyway.

The account of events matches the description of an incident shared by the Los Angeles Police Department. The cops said local media that a man — who has not been named — was shot around 3 a.m. near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street. He was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced dead. The thieves fled and have not yet been apprehended. The investigation is ongoing.

ET has reached out to the LAPD, as well as the late actor’s family, for comment.

In a statement to ET, General Hospital producers said they mourned the loss of the actor and sent their love to his family and friends.

“All General Hospital The family is heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Johnny Wactor. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” the show executives shared.

Earlier today, the actor’s agent, David Shaul, confirmed Wactor’s death and shared his grief over the tragic and untimely loss in a statement to Variety.

“Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor and dedicated to his craft, but a true moral example to all who knew him. He represented hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. In the through the ups and downs of a challenging profession, he always kept his head held high and continued to strive to give his best,” Shaul said.

He continued, “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we 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.”

In addition to appearing in over 160 episodes of General Hospitalthe actor has appeared in notable television projects including ABC’s Station 19HBO Western worldthat of Netflix The OA and CBS originals Criminal minds And NCIS. He debuted with Lifetime Military wivesin which he starred in three episodes as Airman Byers.

Following his death, there was an outpouring of love and mourning from his friends and fellow co-stars.

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