The cast and crew of ABC’s *General Hospital* have paid tribute to their late cast member, Johnny Wactor. Following the episode that aired on Tuesday, June 11, a title card was displayed honoring Wactor, who was tragically killed in a shooting on May 25.
The tribute card featured a photo of Wactor with the text, “In Loving Memory Of Johnny Wactor.” Wactor, who portrayed Brando Corbin on the soap opera from 2020 to 2022, was 37 years old at the time of his death.
This gesture follows an earlier statement on May 26, shared, which expressed the network’s grief: “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 onscreen dedication comes after Giovanni Mazza, who plays Gio Palmieri on the show, spoke about Wactor’s impact.
Mazza, who joined the series in May, told on June 7 at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, “I do believe that it’ll stay with all of us. I didn’t personally know him, but I know a lot of actors and actresses and … the entire family just mourns his loss.”
Mazza added, “We strive forward with his memory and we move on and do our best for him.”
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, confirmed her son’s death the day after it occurred, telling that the tragedy had left “a huge hole in the family’s heart.”
An autopsy confirmed that Wactor’s death was a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the chest.
At the time of the incident, Wactor was out with a colleague and reportedly trying to protect her from individuals attempting to steal a car. Wactor’s brother, Grant, later told that his brother had just finished a bartending shift.
“We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,” Grant explained. “He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed.
So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?’ And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that’s when they shot him.”
Grant also spoke on May 28, revealing that he tried calling his brother “three or four times” and texted him before the tragic news was confirmed.
“I was calling the hospital, called the police as many times I could, had a hard time getting through until I finally got somebody to put me in touch with the detective. Once I got a hold of the detective, we were pretty confident that we were right.”
Many of Wactor’s General Hospital co-stars took to social media to share their tributes upon learning of his passing.
“Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard-working and humble,” wrote Sofia Mattson, whose character Sasha Gilmore was married to Brando, on Instagram last month.
“With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved.” Wactor is survived by his parents and siblings.
