The promising career of actor Johnny Wactor was cut short in the early hours of Saturday when he fell victim to a catalytic converter theft gone wrong in downtown Los Angeles. The 37-year-old, best known for his portrayal of Brando Corbin on the iconic soap opera “General Hospital,” was fatally shot by one of three masked suspects after confronting them near his vehicle around 3:30 a.m.

Wactor, who had been working at a rooftop bar that evening, was walking a colleague to her car when he noticed the thieves allegedly attempting to steal the valuable exhaust device from his own vehicle. According to his mother, Scarlett, the actor initially believed his car was being towed and tried to engage the suspects in conversation. Tragically, one of the masked individuals responded by opening fire before fleeing with the others in a getaway vehicle.

The rising star, who appeared in 164 episodes of “General Hospital” between 2020 and 2022, was remembered by the show’s cast and crew as a kind, humble and talented young man who brought joy to the set every day. Fellow actors, including Jon Lindstrom and Nancy Lee Grahn, expressed their grief and outrage at the senseless act of violence that claimed Wactor’s life.

In addition to his role on the long-running soap, Wactor had also appeared in other television series such as “Siberia,” “Army Wives” and “Criminal Minds.” He is survived by his mother and two younger brothers.

As catalytic converter thefts continue to surge across the nation due to the high value of the metals they contain, authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with Wactor’s murder. The devastating loss of this promising young actor has left his loved ones and the entertainment community in mourning.