:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(757x337:759x339)/Johnny-Wactor-052624-1-5740b94ba2b1485ab4f00f1964fc8dc6.jpg "'General Hospital' Actor Johnny Wactor Dead at 37: 'A Spectacular Human Being' (1)")
Actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37.
Wactor's agent, David Shaul, confirmed his death to PEOPLE and remembered his late client as being "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," Shaul said. "Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. 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, best known for his General Hospital role as Brando Corbin, was shot and killed on Saturday, May 25, in Los Angeles, according to TMZ, which was first to report the news and confirmed Wactor's death with the actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, on May 26.
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Brother Speaks Out on His Killing: 'He Was Taken Way Too Early'
His mother told TMZ that Johnny and a colleague saw three men trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although Johnny did not attempt to stop them, he was shot and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for more information.
Marco Cuadros, Wactor’s manager, told PEOPLE he is still processing this “senseless tragedy” and is “proud to say“ he was the actor’s friend.
“Johnny Wactor was such a kind soul, a talented actor and an inspiration to those around him. His professionalism, his enthusiasm and love for his craft was infectious and made him such a joy to work with,” Cuadros said.
“He pursued his dreams and achieved them, all the while remaining a good human being caring for others.I am proud to say I was Johnny's manager and friend,” Cuadros continued. “He will always be cherished in my memory. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(665x0:667x2)/Johnny-Wactor-052624-2-89ff637e2d3d4ef3bda47d147d5e3b73.jpg "'General Hospital' Actor Johnny Wactor Dead at 37: 'A Spectacular Human Being' (2)")
General Hospital Stars Pay Tribute to Johnny Wactor After His Sudden Death at 37: 'One of a Kind'
General Hospital paid tribute to Wactor via a post on its official Instagram account on May 26. "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing," the post read. "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."
Actress Sofia Mattsson, who has played Sasha Gilmore on the daytime series since 2018, commented on the post, writing: "We will miss you so much Johnny. One of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met ❤️."
Mattsson also posted an Instagram tribute full of scenes with Wactor.
“My heart is so utterly broken,” she wrote in the caption. “Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved.“
“I admire the man he was so much and I’m a better person for having known him,” Mattsson added. “We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen, and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart. You will be so incredibly missed Johnny… I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there ❤️.”
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Wactor’s acting credits date back to 2007, when he appeared in three episodes of Army Wives. He went on to have roles in NCIS, The OA, Westworld, The Passenger, Station 19, Barbee Rehab, Siberia, Agent X, Vantastic, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Girl, Training Day, Criminal Minds and more.
Wactor hasn't updated his social media accounts in months, but in a June 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote a heartfelt message to his followers.
“Have a great day everybody,” he wrote. “Some helpful reminders shared with me today: Appreciate your health and take care of it. Offer help to your neighbor today. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t.”
