The former 'General Hospital' actor was fatally shot while shielding a female co-worker from armed thieves during a robbery attempt gone wrong in Los Angeles.
- Jun 3, 2024
AceShowbiz - Funeral plans have been announced for actor Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot on May 25 in Los Angeles. His mother, Scarlett Wactor, confirmed the arrangements via phone to Fox News Digital.
The receiving and funeral services will be held at Sommerville Baptist Church in Sommerville, South Carolina on June 15. Friends from his theater group in Los Angeles are also planning a private memorial.
Wactor, 37, was working at Level 8, a rooftop bar, when he approached three masked individuals attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car. The thieves fled the scene after shooting Wactor.
According to his mother, Wactor was unaware of the theft and initially believed his car was being towed. He stepped in front of his coworker to protect her when the thieves pulled out a handgun.
Anita Joy, the coworker Wactor protected, will be attending the funeral. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she described Wactor's final moments and expressed her gratitude for his heroism.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on "General Hospital" from 2020 to 2022, was a talented actor and a "real moral example" to those who knew him, according to his agent, David Shaul.
The actor's mother is calling for changes in downtown Los Angeles to improve safety for employees leaving work late at night, including providing parking and protection. She is also researching ways to campaign for changes with local politicians.
The theft of catalytic converters has become a common crime due to the value of the precious metals they contain. Canadian municipalities have encouraged drivers to etch their converters with their VIN to deter theft.
