TRIBUTES are pouring in from family members and fellow actors for the late General Hospital star Johnny Wactor.
The 37-year-old was fatally shot in Los Angeles on Saturday morning while shielding a coworker as thieves attempted to steal his catalytic converter.
Wactor was walking his co-worker to her vehicle following a shift at a rooftop bar at about 3:25 am when tragedy struck.
“We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,” Wactor's brother, Grant, told Daily Mail.
Wactor saw three masked men around his car and believed he was being towed, Grant said.
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But when one man pointed a gun at the actor, he stepped in front of his co-worker to shield her from the gunfire.
"My brother was probably the hardest working person I've ever met in my life. He was a great brother and son," Grant told the outlet.
The three suspects remain on the loose and the LAPD is investigating.
'SENSELESS'
Tributes immediately flooded in for Wactor, who was known for his role as Brando Corbin on the popular soap opera.
In one post, fellow General Hospital star William deVry called it a "senseless" death.
"Honestly, words can't begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"The senselessness of this lose [sic] is beyond description.
"Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP #JohnnyWactor & much love & comfort to those who loved him."
Meanwhile, Parry Shen, who played Brad Cooper in the daytime soap opera, also called his late friend a "beautiful soul."
"Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. So talented," Shen wrote.
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"As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck.
"Fit as hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well.
"We all were cheated of many years with him."
HEARTBROKEN
Sofia Mattsson, who played Wactor's wife in the drama series shared a post on Instagram in his honor.
"Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard-working and humble," she wrote.
"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," she continued.
Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. [...] We all were cheated of many years with him.
Parry Shen
"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."
Encapsulating the feeling of loss by the cast and crew, the show spoke out about Wactor's tragic death.
"The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor's untimely passing," the post read.
"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."
Wactor's death comes just months after General Hospital star Robyn Bernard was found dead in San Jacinto, California, on March 12, at 64.
'BROKEN' FAMILY
Meanwhile, Grant also spoke about the devastation felt by the rest of their family.
"My mother is tough as nails, but she's broken down to the bone," he told The Los Angeles Times.
"We have to get him back to Charleston. It’s just a shame. It seems like it was just the wrong place, wrong time."
Grant added that his older brother "lived life his way" and "did exactly what he wanted, even to his last day."
"He was a kind loving son and brother, he lived life to the fullest," Wactor's mother said in a statement.
"He set goals and went after them. There is a very large hole in our hearts and lives."
The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division Homicide is investigating the case.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the LAPD for comment.
