On Saturday, May 25, Johnny Wactor was rushed to a local Los Angeles hospital where he was pronounced dead. The renowned actor, known for his long-running role as Brando Corbin on General Hospital, was an exceptional talent.
His death has undoubtedly left a void not only in the legacy of the series but also in Hollywood as a whole. At 37 years old, Wactor had much more to achieve in his career. It’s tragic that his life was cut short so abruptly.
How did Johnny Wactor die?
Johnny Wactor’s death resulted from a robbery gone wrong. According to the LAPD, the incident occurred around 3 a.m. PT. Three men attempted to steal the catalytic converter from Wactor’s car at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street in Downtown L.A. Wactor was the only victim.
His mother, Scarlett, recounted to TMZ how the event unfolded. Johnny Wactor had no intention of confronting the robbers. Nonetheless, one of them shot him, and the three men fled the scene. Although paramedics arrived shortly after 3 a.m., Wactor was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.
His brother Grant shared with the Daily Mail that Wactor was walking a female friend to her car when he noticed the robbers and initially thought his car was being towed. Realizing the true nature of the situation, he tried to shield his friend while backing away, but the robbers shot him and escaped in separate vehicles. “We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,” Grant said.
David Shaul, Johnny Wactor’s talent agent, confirmed the news of his death to Variety and spoke highly of his departed friend. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone,” he said. “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
As of now, the robbers have not been apprehended or identified. Johnny Wactor is survived by his mother Scarlett and his brothers Lance and Grant.