Johnny Wactor killed in downtown Los Angeles shooting
Actor Johnny Wactor, known for his role on the daytime drama “General Hospital,” tragically lost his life when he interrupted a crime in Los Angeles, according to his family and police.
The 37-year-old actor was fatally shot, and his death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, confirmed his death and described her son as “a light in a dark room.” She added, “There is a huge hole in all of us, and there is no fixing that.”
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, expressed his grief in a statement to Variety, highlighting Wactor’s dedication and resilience. “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. “After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
The Los Angeles Police Department, without confirming Wactor’s identity, provided a narrative of the incident. At approximately 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, Wactor encountered three individuals attempting to remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles. One of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Wactor.
Scarlett Wactor, speaking from South Carolina, shared more details about her son’s final moments. He had been bartending at a nearby rooftop venue and stayed late to help with a “deep clean” after last call. As he walked to his car with three co-workers, two of them parted ways to get to their vehicles, leaving Wactor with one other colleague. When they reached his car, which had been jacked up, Wactor initially thought it was being towed because he had parked on the street in an unfamiliar area, knowing he’d be working late.
Wactor stepped in front of his co-worker and asked someone on the ground next to his vehicle if it was being towed. At that moment, the individual shot him. The two other suspects were waiting in a nearby vehicle.
Johnny Wactor, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, had a passion for acting since elementary school. After attending Rollings Middle School of the Arts in South Carolina, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams, maintaining contact with his theater instructor along the way. He continued to hone his craft by taking or auditing acting classes whenever possible. He also enjoyed climbing when time allowed.
The journey in the entertainment industry was not easy for Wactor. His mother recalled a time when she feared he might “starve to death out there.” Despite the hardships, he persevered and made his television debut on Lifetime’s “West Wives.” He eventually appeared in 164 episodes of “General Hospital,” portraying Brando, the son of Bonnie Burroughs’ character, Gladys Corbin, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
Wactor’s talent extended beyond “General Hospital.” He also appeared on the TV show “Westworld” and lent his voice to the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard,” as listed on IMDb.
Scarlett Wactor hopes that her son’s acting work will provide some solace as she copes with her loss. “I think that when I see Johnny on the videos and the recordings, I can only hope that he’s doing that in heaven and enjoying it,” she said.
No arrests have been made in connection with the crime. The incident occurred close to Crypto Arena, where the Lakers play their home games. Catalytic converter thefts have become increasingly common due to the valuable metals they contain—platinum, palladium, and rhodium—whose prices surged during the coronavirus pandemic.
These thefts peaked in 2022, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In response, several states, from California to Rhode Island, have enacted legislation aimed at making it more difficult to buy and sell stolen catalytic converters and the metals within them.
The tragic loss of Johnny Wactor has left a deep impact on his family, friends, and fans. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his vibrant presence will be remembered by those who knew and admired him. As his loved ones navigate this painful period, they find some comfort in the lasting legacy he left through his work and the memories they shared.