Kareem Azeez
Actor Johnny Wactor, 37, was shot and killed early Saturday morning in downtown Los Angeles by a suspected car thief.
Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” was reportedly returning to his vehicle after work when he encountered a distressing scene.
“Scarlett Wactor, the victim’s mother, recounted to NBC4 News, ‘He was returning from work and discovered a man tampering with his car. Believing his car was being towed, he approached the man to inquire about the situation. He was then immediately shot.'”
The stolen car part in question is believed to be the catalytic converter, a component containing precious metals that has become a frequent target for thieves.
The incident occurred near the intersection of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are currently investigating the crime. No arrests have been made at this time.
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Tributes for Wactor have been pouring in from across the entertainment industry.
His agent, David Shaul, provided a heartfelt statement to Variety magazine, describing Wactor as “an outstanding human being. He would literally give you the shirt off his back.
After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
Producers at “General Hospital” also shared their condolences. In a statement, they described the South Carolina-born actor as “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day.”
Johnny Wactor career spanned beyond “General Hospital.” He had a two-year stint on the NBC series “Siberia” and appeared in episodes of HBO’s critically acclaimed “Westworld.”
This senseless act of violence has taken the life of a promising talent and left a community grieving.
The investigation into Wactor’s death remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
