‘General Hospital’ Star Johnny Wactor’s Family Speaks Out as Police Search for Clues About Fatal Shooting

The family of slain General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor is in mourning after the star was fatally shot in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. He was 37. 

On Tuesday, Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, and two brothers, Lance and Grant, appeared virtually on Good Morning America to address the tragic loss. 

“They took a wonderful person,” Scarlett said. 

Added Lance, “The worst part is just not being able to have a conversation with him again. That’s one of my best friends.” 

Meanwhile, Grant said that the family had been left with “an emptiness that doesn’t get filled.” 

Good Morning America reported that a LAPD homicide investigation is currently underway, as officials told the outlet they are gathering surveillance footage from nearby streets. 

Wactor, who was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera, was killed early Saturday morning during a suspected catalytic converter theft in downtown Los Angeles. TMZ was first to report the news after talking with his mother.

Grant later told The Daily Mail that Wactor was finishing a bartending shift and was leaving the establishment with an unidentified female coworker when they saw the thieves around his vehicle. He said that the actor first thought his car was being towed, but soon realized what was happening and stepped in front of his coworker to shield her with his body.

Scarlett previously told TMZ that her son did not attempt to fight or stop the men, but they shot him anyway.

The retelling of events matches the description of an incident shared by the Los Angeles Police Department. Cops told local news outlets that a man — who is not named — was shot around 3 a.m. PT near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street. He was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. The thieves fled the scene 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 that they are mourning the loss of the actor and sent their love to his family and friends.

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

The actor’s talent agent, David Shaul, also shared his grief over the untimely and tragic loss in a statement to Variety.

“Johnny Wactor was 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,” Shaul said.

He continued, “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.”

Aside from starring in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital, the actor appeared in notable television projects, including ABC’s Station 19, HBO’s Westworld, Netflix’s The OA and CBS originals Criminal Minds and NCIS. He got his start on Lifetime’s Army Wives, in which he had a three-episode stint as Airman Byers.

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