General Hospital’s alum Johnny Wactor’s cause of death sent shock waves to family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Barely five months into 2024, American soap opera television has lost several of its stars, both old and young. Yet, nothing prepared viewers for the untimely death of Johnny Wactor, who graced ABC’s General Hospital as Brando Corbin.
Although he spent only about two years on General Hospital (the longest-running American soap opera in production), as the character’s originator, Johnny Wactor was well-known by true soap opera fans. Millions of fans awoke to news of Johnny Wactor’s death on May 25, 2024, at age 37. Here’s more about Johnny Wactor’s cause of death and funeral.
Johnny Wactor’s Life Before His Death
Born John William Wactor III in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 1986, Johnny Wactor was raised in Summerville, South Carolina. He moved from his hometown to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Although he didn’t find much success on the big screen (besides numerous starring roles in short films), Wactor had an active television career. His General Hospital performance as Brando Corbin may have been the biggest role of his career; he also had a few other notable appearances.
Wactor’s acting debut was in Army Wives, where he appeared in only 3 episodes, from 2007 to 2009. However, he landed a role as one of the main cast in the short-lived NBC supernatural drama series Siberia. Interestingly, Wactor played a competitive bull rider from Jedburg, SC, named Johnny. He also made appearances in notable shows like Criminal Minds (2017), NCIS (2019), Westworld (2020), and Station 19 (2023).
Johnny Wactor’s character was killed off in General Hospital after being stabbed by the serial killer, The Hook, with a poisoned hook. Although he was rushed to the hospital, Brando’s death looked rushed off by audiences. However, Johnny Wactor expressed no “bad blood” between him and the producers. While looking to land his next major film and television project, Johnny Wactor was working as a bartender in downtown Los Angeles at the time of his death.
Johnny Wactor’s Cause of Death
Johnny Wactor was killed by a gunshot wound to the chest. This was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, who classified his death as a homicide. Wactor was working a late-night shift at a downtown Los Angeles nightclub. He reportedly left work in the early hours of Saturday, May 25, 2024, and was walking a co-worker to her car, parked at a parking lot at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street. Wactor noticed his car was raised and suspected it was about to be towed.
He approached the three men around his car, with his co-worker, to enquire about the offense before noticing the car was raised with a floor jack. Wactor quickly realized it was an ongoing theft operation, as they were trying to steal his car’s catalytic converter. He reportedly jumped in front of his co-worker to shield her from any assault. According to the statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, one of the three men shot at Johnny Wactor unprovoked, hitting him in the chest. The statement also further revealed the shooting to have occurred around 3:25 AM local time.
The assailants reportedly fled the scene, northbound on Hope Street. The statement also adds, “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan.” As of the time of this report, none of the suspects have been apprehended, but there’s an ongoing investigation to catch them. The police and the LA district attorney‘s office are urging the public to share useful information that could lead to their arrest. “Your tip, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to solving this case and preventing further violence.”
Johnny Wactor’s Funeral
Although he had friends in Los Angeles, Johnny Wactor’s family lived in his hometown of Summerville, South Carolina. Johnny Wactor’s Funeral was held in his local church, the Summerville Baptist Church, on June 16, 2024. Wactor’s best friend, Dusty Morrow, gave the eulogy at the ceremony. Over a hundred people came from across the country to attend the funeral.
Johnny Wactor is survived by his mother, Scarlett Wactor, two brothers, Grant Wactor and Lance Wactor, as well as his grandmother. Johnny Wactor was cremated before his funeral ceremony, with his ashes at his mother’s home in Summerville, South Carolina. We remain hopeful that Johnny Wactor’s killers will be caught. Here’s a list of 36 actors who died in 2023.
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