Hollywood actor killed by car thieves in LA shooting

This image released by ABC shows Johnny Wactor in character as Brando Corbin from the daytime series “General Hospital.” Wactor was shot and killed Saturday when he interrupted thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in Los Angeles. He was 37. (Scott Kirkland/ABC via AP)

LOS ANGELES – Former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in Los Angeles, according to authorities.

Police released new details Tuesday revealing that the three men allegedly trying to steal a catalytic converter from his car near downtown Los Angeles had the vehicle up on a floor jack when he encountered them.

The 37-year-old actor had ended his shift as a bartender and was walking to his vehicle in the 1200 block of Hope Street, near West Pico Boulevard, at about 3:25 a.m. Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

“When Wactor arrived at his vehicle, he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor’s vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter,” police said in a statement.

“Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals. “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark colored sedan. The suspects fled northbound on Hope St.”

Paramedics rushed Wactor to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Wactor’s brother, Grant Wactor, told the Los Angeles Times on Sunday that his brother was walking a co-worker to her car after his shift when he noticed a group of men crowded around his own car, and he confronted them because he thought his vehicle was being towed.

Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.

Anyone with information about the suspects was urged to call the LAPD’s Central Station at 213-486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Wactor appeared on nearly 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020-22. His other credits included “Westworld,” “The OA,” “NCIS,” “Station 19,” “Criminal Minds” and “Hollywood Girl.”

“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 ABC soap opera posted Sunday on X.

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. pic.twitter.com/2wlIM1TpAB

— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 27, 2024

“When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news,” longtime cast member Jon Lindstrom wrote. “Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with the world. I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know that’s impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane. For a long time to come. R.I.P.”

Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, told Variety that “Johnny Wactor was a 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.”

“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.”

Wactor opened up about his experience on “General Hospital” after his character Brando Corbin was written out of the show in 2022, telling Soap Opera Digest: “I’ve never been on a show that had such a large fan base. It was all new to me and it was a blessing. It made it fun to go to work and then be excited about seeing people react to the storylines you were in. That they actually cared was really cool. I’m grateful for the fans, for fans of `General Hospital’ and Brando Corbin and of mine. They made my time on the show all the sweeter.” (With CNS report)