“Siberia” actor Johnny Wactor poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California, in August 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In the early hours of May 25, 2024, tragedy struck in Hollywood with the unexpected death of actor Johnny Wactor. The star was famous for featuring in shows like “NCIS,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Westworld.”
Johnny Wactor at the Queen of the Universe International Beauty Pageant on March 16, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
He also appeared in “Hollywood Girl,” “The OA,” and “Station 19.” However, most people recall him better from the fan-favorite television series “General Hospital.”
Johnny Wactor at the World Premiere of “The Mule” on December 10, 2018, in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
There he was featured in almost 200 episodes. As fans know, he starred as Brando Corbin in the series. He played the role of Corbin from 2020 until the character was written off two years later.
Johnny Wactor and an unnamed person on episode 14767 of “General Hospital” on June 9, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Besides being an actor, Wactor was also a producer. Some of his other works in Hollywood include the 2016 movie “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” and the television series “Siberia” and “Barbee Rehab.”
Johnny Wactor on episode 14811 of “General Hospital” on August 24, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Wactor hasn’t been active on Instagram since late last year. Fans jumped on his social media post seeking answers when he shared a confusing message and a concerning image.
Fans’ Reactions to Wactor’s Last Instagram Post
The last social media post Wactor made was on November 4, 2023. It was a black and white photo of the actor looking neutral, standing in a mountainous area while carrying rope on his shoulders. The post, where he appeared to have been rock climbing, had a cryptic caption that read:
“Temps are coming.”
Johnny Wactor at Get Lucky For Lupus LA! at Peterson Automotive Museum on September 12, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The late star’s fans showed concern at the time for him with one person writing, “Scares me!! BE CAREFUL!!!!” Someone else seemed worried about Wactor, asking, “The view looks gorgeous, so why do you look so sad?”
The star replied, “Not sad, startled haha.” Leading the fan to ask, “Hmmm, startled by what?” But the actor didn’t reply to the follow-up question. Someone who didn’t see anything off about the post simply wrote,
“Great capture. Love the black and white.”
However, hours after his death was announced, more people rushed to share their condolences on the post,
“Johnny – always one if (sic) the nicest guys I came across in LA. In a sea of acting classes and run-ins, you always remained humble, kind and full of class. I will always remember you in the highest regard. This breaks my soul. RIP ‘ole friend. X.”
Others mourned him writing,
“This made my heart stop. Condolences to your loved ones. May your soul soar to a far better place than this. You did not deserve this. Love.”
Two heartbroke fans stated:
“I’m so sorry. Rest easy Johnny. So senseless. Sending so much love to your family, friends, and everyone that loved you.”
“One of the nicest humans on this earth. I’m so sorry Johnny.”
What Was Wactor’s Cause of Death?
According to reports, his mother, Scarlett, said her son was gunned down at age 37 in downtown Los Angeles. The parent revealed that the late actor was accompanied by a coworker when they noticed three male suspects fiddling with the star’s vehicle.
Scarlett said the information she got was that her son didn’t try to fight or stop the criminals. According to another publication, Wactor approached the men thinking he was being towed and hoped to discuss the matter with them.
Johnny Wactor on episode 15007 of “General Hospital” with Kirsten Storms and Lynn Herring on May 17, 2022 | Getty Images
Instead, one of the suspects reacted by looking up and pointing a gun at the actor. He became a hero before death as his female colleague was saved when he selflessly shielded her from their assailants.
Johnny Wactor and Helena Mattsson on episode 14916 of “General Hospital” on January 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, that didn’t stop the thieves from shooting him before getting away in a different car. A report revealed that although authorities haven’t released Wactor’s name, his case matched the one where three men allegedly tried to steal a catalytic converter.
Johnny Wactor and Sofia Mattsson on episode 15006 of “General Hospital” on May 17, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
A catalytic converter is a pollution control device that contains precious metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium. One publication revealed the theft of these converters is allegedly a billion-dollar industry in the US. They are mainly found in diesel cars.
Johnny Wactor at the red carpet premiere of “Silent River” on October 13, 2022, in Glendale, California | Source: Getty Images
After 3 a.m. PT, paramedics made it to the scene of the crime. Sadly, the actor was pronounced dead on his arrival at the hospital. Authorities haven’t yet described the murderers except to say they were all wearing masks.
Despite this hindrance, Wactor’s mother is hopeful that the suspects will be brought to justice soon. The late actor’s mother isn’t the only family member who addressed the media about his untimely death.
What Wactor’s Brother Said about His Death
Besides Scarlett, another family member who addressed the star’s death was his brother, Grant. The late actor’s younger sibling confirmed Wactor’s passing to a publication. He also revealed how it didn’t come as a surprise that his older brother died a hero.
Grant said putting others first was the norm with the “General Hospital” star. Although he’s still grieving, he shared how hearing that Wactor enacted bravery as his last act wasn’t a surprise. He said they’d been raised well to be chivalrous and gentlemanly, noting:
“We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.”
Grant also reiterated their mother’s rendition of what had gone wrong that fateful day, saying his brother “said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?'” When one of the suspects turned around from the star’s truck, Wactor reacted quickly.
Johnny Wactor seen in Old City on October 29, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Source: Getty Images
His younger brother revealed that the late actor proceeded to put his co-worker behind him before getting shot. Grant also said his sibling took hits on the chest. Authorities informed the star’s brother that Wactor was actually backing away when his assailants fired.
It seemed he was more concerned about protecting the person he was with. Some of the people who’ve survived the late star are his mother, his brothers Grant and Lance, and his grandmother, Barbara.
Sadly, Wactor isn’t the only “General Hospital” actor who’s passed on in recent years as Tyler Christopher died in 2023. Amomama would like to extend our condolences to Johnny Wactor’s family and friends during this difficult time. May they find strength in each other.
