The 37-year-old soap opera star, who mistook the thieves for tow truck drivers, shielded his female co-worker when one of the masked men pointed a gun and shot at him.
- May 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - Johnny Wactor literally took the bullet for his co-worker during an armed robbery gone wrong. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Brando Corbin on the popular daytime series "General Hospital", is revealed to have shielded his female co-worker before he was shot dead.
According to a new report, Johnny was leaving his side job at a rooftop bar with a female colleague at around 3:25 A.M. on Saturday, May 25 in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street, when he saw the three men near his vehicle attempting to steal a catalytic converter. Believing that he was being towed, Johnny approached the men to try to discuss it.
When one of the men looked up, he pointed a gun at Johnny who put his body in front of his female co-worker while he was shot. The three men, who were all wearing masks, then fled the scene in another car. Johnny was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Johnny's younger brother Grant said he wasn't surprised by the actor's final act of bravery as they were raised as "southern gentleman." Grant said, "We're Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself."
"He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, 'Hey, are you towing?' " Grant divulged. "And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that's when they shot him."
Grant noted that the cops told him Johnny did not attempt to fight the car thieves, but the actor was backing away and trying to protect his friend when the shot was fired. Grant said Johnny and his co-worker had to park about two blocks from the restaurant, so they were walking to their cars after they finished their shift. Grant confirmed that Johnny was shot in the chest.
"My brother was probably the hardest working person I've ever met in my life. He was a great brother and son," Grant paid tribute to his late brother. "Anyone he touched, he made a great impact. He was as charismatic in real life as he was on camera. And he was always genuine, through and through."
Grant hopes Johnny gets the justice that he deserves. "I hope they are able to track the people who did this," he shared. "I am glad in a way that this is getting the publicity so that it could shed some light that things need to change, or find ways so that no one else has to experience this - whether it be a murder or being at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Johnny's death was previously confirmed by his agent David Shaul. "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," he said of the late actor. "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."
