General Hospital Star Johnny Wactor Dead At 37
News has broke that "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor has died. He was 37. Per multiple news outlets, he was shot and murdered in downtown Los Angeles around 3 A.M. on May 25 while spotting three men who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car. According to TMZ and the actor's mother, Scarlett, he was with a coworker at the time of the ordeal and did not try to physically stop the men.
"Johnny Wactor was [a] [sic] spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was 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. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be," Daivd Shaul, Wactor's agent, told Variety. "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."
Wactor was most known for his role in "General Hospital," playing the character of Brando Corbin for over 160 episodes from 2020 to 2022. The actor also portrayed a slew of other roles, primarily on television.
Johnny Wactor was a consistent presence on television programming throughout his career
Johnny Wactor, one of the many actors who have tragically died in 2024, crafted a career for himself dedicated to the small screen. Starting his professional career in 2007, Wactor got his first major break in 2013 when he starred on the NBC supernatural drama "Siberia," playing the character of Johnny for 11 episodes. After taking part in a pair of films in 2014, the actor began routinely appearing on television, playing minor characters on shows such as "Agent X," "Animal Kingdom," "Hollywood Girl," "Training Day," "NCIS," "Westworld," and "The Passenger," and "Station 19."
Of course, Wactor's most famous role was Brando Corbin, who first appears on "General Hospital" in 2020 and quickly enters into dealings with Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Bernard) and forms an endearing, albeit tragic, relationship with Sasha (Sofia Mattsson). Corbin is killed two years later after being stabbed.
The soap opera star is survived by two younger brothers, Grant and Lance, and his mother, who paid a heartfelt tribute to her son while speaking with Fox News Digital. "What I'd like for everybody to know is that they took a great human being. It is leaving a very large hole in me and his brother's lives. We just buried my husband, their dad, four years ago. And he was very loved by his friends, his families. He lived life to the fullest, he chased his dreams, a very optimistic, positive person."
The General Hospital cast reacts to Johnny Wactor's death
Shortly after news of Wactor's death spread, many of his "General Hospital" costars took to social media to pay tribute. Laura Wright, who has been a mainstay on the show for nearly twenty years, having played the role of Carly Corinthos since 2005, offered her condolences to Wactor's family on X (formerly Twitter). "Heartbreaking," she wrote alongside a photo of Wactor. "What an incredible man. Deep love and prayers to Johnny's family."
Jon Lindstrom, known for playing the characters of Kevin Collins and Ryan Chamberlain, expressed his shock on X. "When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. 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," Lindstrom posted with a photo of Wactor. "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."
Former and current "General Hospital" stars such as William deVry, Kathleen Gati, Kelly Thiebaud, Ashton Arbab, Chad Duell, among others, all posted tributes to Wactor as well, citing their shock, anger, and sorrow for the actor's grieving family.