Police were searching Sunday for suspects in the killing of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot after encountering three people trying to steal a catalytic converter from his car near downtown Los Angeles.
The 37-year-old actor appeared on nearly 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020-22.
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, told Variety that “Johnny Wactor was 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.”
“Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone,” he said. “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
Police said Wactor observed three people trying to extract the catalytic converter from his vehicle at about 3 a.m. Saturday in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street. One of the suspects fired at him, then the trio fled the scene, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Paramedics rushed Wactor to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
No description of the suspects was immediately available.
TMZ cited Wactor’s mother Scarlett, who told the entertainment website that her son and a coworker saw three men at Johnny’s car. She said he didn’t try to stop the thieves but one of them shot him anyway.
Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.
Aside from “General Hospital,” Wactor’s other credits included “Westworld,” “The OA,” “NCIS,” “Station 19,” “Criminal Minds” and “Hollywood Girl.”
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the LAPD’s Central Station at 213-486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.