Johnny Wactor, beloved for his role as Brando Corbin on “General Hospital (GH),” tragically died in Los Angeles early Saturday morning. He was 37. His mother, Scarlett Wactor, revealed the heartbreaking details of her son’s death.
As reported by TMZ, Johnny Wactor, best known for playing Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles. He was 37. The actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, told TMZ that Johnny and his coworker saw three men tampering with his car.
Despite not confronting the suspects, Johnny was shot before the men fled. Paramedics arrived shortly after three in the morning and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
While authorities have not yet released descriptions of the suspects, Scarlett expressed hope that they will be found quickly. In the wake of Johnny’s passing, heartfelt tributes poured in from “GH” and his co-stars and colleagues on Twitter.
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing,” the show shared, noting that the late actor was “one of a kind” and a “joy to work” every day.
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
Co-star John Lindstrom expressed his grief and felt “sick to his stomach” when he learned the news. He added, “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,” he said.
“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,” he added.”
William DeVry also shared his sorrow, “Honestly, words can’t begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum. The senselessness of this lose is beyond description. Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP #JohnnyWactor & much love & comfort to those who loved him.”
TV anchor Frank Buckley added his voice, “Saddened and angered to hear that actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed by suspects trying to steal his catalytic converter. He was in a staged reading of one of Elena’s screenplays in 2021..great in the role and couldn’t have been nicer. We send our condolences to his family.”
Journalist and producer Michael Fairman also expressed his heartbreak, “I am just gut-punched over this as we all our. My thoughts are with Johnny’s mom and brothers at this time.”
Johnny is survived by his mother and his younger brothers, Lance and Grant. Born on August 31, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina, Johnny’s career spanned numerous roles. Besides “GH,” he gained fame for his work in “Siberia” (2013) and “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” (2016).
Additionally, he directed and wrote the music video “There to Catch Me” for The Nashvillains. He received multiple accolades throughout his career, including nominations for Favorite General Hospital Actor at the Annual Soup Hub Awards in both 2020 and 2021.
Johnny’s character, Brando Corbin, gained popularity on “GH” but was eventually written off as the first victim of Port Charles’ serial killer, “The Hook.” He played the role from 2020 until 2022.
In a since-deleted Instagram video, Johnny thanked fans for their support, acknowledging their loyalty and engagement. He praised the fans as the “greatest” in the world, expressing gratitude for their passion and support, whether they were excited or outraged by his character’s death.
He felt lucky to have been part of the show. “We get to show up and bring these stories to life and bring these characters to life. And it just makes our job that much sweeter. It’s already the coolest job in the world to get to act. To see how much you guys care and how much stake it has, I’m just so blessed and I’m gonna miss you guys,” he said.
Before he died, Johnny spoke about his exit from the medical series, expressing that he had “no bad blood” with “GH” for killing off his character. He also recalled his final moments on set.
The late actor shared that he gave a speech due to his meaningful experiences and relationships with the cast and crew. He anticipated wanting to say something because of his time there and admitted he felt a bit emotional while speaking.
Johnny was the latest “GH” star to pass away this year. Actress Robyn Bernard also tragically died last March. Robyn’s body was found in an open field behind a business block in San Jacinto, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s police report.
She gained fame on “GH” for her role as Terry Brock, appearing in about 145 episodes from 1984 to 1990. Her final role was in 2002, for the movie “Voices From the High School,” where she played a psychologist. Soon after, Robyn chose to lead a private life and stayed out of the spotlight until her death at 64.
