Stars of the hit TV show General Hospital have paid tribute to actor and former cast member Johnny Wactor who was killed this weekend at the age of 37.
As previously reported, the actor's grieving mom, Scarlett, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ, adding that her son was fatally shot in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Mom Scarlett told the outlet that her son had just finished a shift at a bar and was walking with a co-worker to his car in the early hours of Saturday (May 25).
They then allegedly stumbled upon three suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from Johnny's car.
Los Angeles authorities have not officially named the actor as a victim of the incident, but Scarlett's comments match the description of a reported incident in which three masked suspects allegedly tried to steal the expensive catalytic converter.
In a further interview with KABC, Scarlett claimed that her son believed his car was being towed and attempted to speak to one of the suspects. That's when he was shot and fatally wounded.
Despite paramedics rushing the actor to a nearby hospital, he was soon declared dead following their arrival
Johnny had appeared in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital as Brando Corbin.
Following news of his passing, the show released a statement on its social media pages reading: "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."
In response, some of the cast members closest to Wactor also paid tribute.
Actress Bonnie Burroughs - who played Johnny's on-screen mom on the show - commented on Instagram: "It was my great privilege to work with and become friends with this gentle, talented, generous soul. I loved him and grieve for his real mother."
In a post of her own, she added: "I am heartbroken and sickened by this terrible loss. Johnny I love you. My heart breaks for your real mom and your whole family. The world is darker now."
And Wactor's on-screen wife Sofia Mattsson also paid tribute, writing: "My heart is so utterly broken... Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved.
"I admire the man he was so much and I'm a better person for having known him. We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen, and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart.
"You will be so incredibly missed Johnny... I'm sure you're already busy taking care of everyone up there."
Sofia Mattsson, who plays Sasha Gilmore on the show, added: "We will miss you so much Johnny. One of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met."
And Kelly Thiebaud, who plays Dr. Britt Westbourne on the hit ABC daytime soap opera, described Wactor as "one of the best".
Our thoughts continue to go out to Wactor's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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