Los Angeles, California – Tragedy struck the entertainment world as US soap actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles early Saturday morning.

Wactor, known for his role in the American series General Hospital, reportedly lost his life during an attempted theft of his catalytic converter. The 37-year-old actor was with a colleague when three individuals approached them, resulting in a senseless act of violence.

According to Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, her son did not resist the attempted theft, yet he was shot by the perpetrators before they fled the scene. The Los Angeles police reported that the actor confronted the men around 3 am on Saturday, leading to the fatal shooting.

After being rushed to a local hospital, Wactor was pronounced dead. The suspects involved in the incident managed to escape in a vehicle and remain at large, leaving authorities to search for them.

Scarlett Wactor expressed hope for the swift apprehension of those responsible for her son’s untimely death, describing Johnny as a ‘beautiful soul’. The tragic news was met with condolences from fellow General Hospital star William deVry, who lamented the loss of another member of the GH family.

Throughout his career, Wactor showcased his talent in various notable TV shows, such as Westworld, NCIS, Criminal Minds, and The OA. However, it was his portrayal of Brando Corbin in General Hospital that left a lasting impact on viewers, especially due to the character’s compelling storyline involving themes like addiction. Wactor’s abrupt departure from the show in 2022, following his character’s demise, marked the end of his role on the series.