'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot during an attempted robbery as he shielded a coworker from gunfire.
The family of slain General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor is in mourning after the star was fatally shot in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. He was 37.
On Tuesday, Wactor's mother, Scarlett, and two brothers, Lance and Grant, appeared virtually on Good Morning America to address the tragic loss.
"They took a wonderful person," Scarlett said.
Added Lance, "The worst part is just not being able to have a conversation with him again. That's one of my best friends."
Meanwhile, Grant said that the family had been left with "an emptiness that doesn't get filled."
Wactor, who was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera, was killed early Saturday morning during a suspected catalytic converter theft in downtown Los Angeles, ET has confirmed. TMZ was first to report the news.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, witnesses reported that Wactor had ended his bartending shift at a local bar and walked to his parked car. He was met by three individuals who appeared to be in the process of stealing the vehicle's catalytic converter, and was shot without provocation. Wactor was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
"The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark colored sedan," the statement notes. "The suspects fled northbound on Hope St. Central Bureau Homicide is investigating the case and is requesting the public's help."
Wactor's brother, Grant, previously told The Daily Mail that Wactor was with an unidentified female coworker when they saw the thieves around his vehicle. He said that the actor first thought his car was being towed, but soon realized what was happening and stepped in front of his coworker to shield her with his body.
ET has reached out to the late actor's family for comment.
In a statement to ET, General Hospital producers said that they are mourning the loss of the actor and sent their love to his family and friends.
"The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor's untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time," the show's executives shared.
The actor's talent agent, David Shaul, also shared his grief over the untimely and tragic loss in a statement to Variety.
"Johnny Wactor was 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," Shaul said.
He continued, "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."
Aside from starring in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital, the actor appeared in notable television projects, including ABC's Station 19, HBO's Westworld, Netflix's The OA and CBS originals Criminal Minds and NCIS. He got his start on Lifetime's Army Wives, in which he had a three-episode stint as Airman Byers.
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