Stars Pay Tribute to Johnny Wactor

The daytime community was rocked when General Hospital alum Johnny Wactor (ex-Brando) was shot and killed during an alleged robbery. And as his friends and former co-stars processed the terrible news, tributes to the beloved actor began to pour out over social media. “The entire GH family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing,” the soap shared on Instagram. “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.”

Sofia Mattsson (Sasha, GH)
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.

Maurice Benard (Sonny)
What can I say about something so senseless? Johnny was the sweetest guy coolest dude and just a great soul.This is beyond words you will be missed my friend

Ashton Arbab (ex-Dex)
Absolutely heartbroken while typing this. Johnny Wactor was not only my TV dad for more than 25 episodes on GH but he was a great human, a kind soul, an inspiration on and off set, and a one-of-a-kind actor. His talents always surprised me and allowed me to learn so much from the craft just by watching his work. I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend and work with him. Feels like yesterday you were giving me a big hug and talking to me about life. May your soul rest in peace, Johnny. Heaven has gained an angel.

Bonnie Burroughs (ex-Gladys)
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.

Kirsten Storms (Maxie)
I’m in a state of disbelief and complete sadness. I don’t typically do posts like this, but Johnny was such a special person and it feels important (for me) to put these words out there. To Johnny’s mother and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny was one of those rare “real individuals” that you almost never come across. I was fortunate enough to have some really good conversations with him where we discussed things I don’t typically open up about. For some reason, we talked about the deep stuff. He was a safe space for those conversations, and, in turn, he would talk about his life. He genuinely cared about people and their journeys in life. During his time on GH, I witnessed him work hard and truly have respect for every single person in our building. I just cannot believe that his life was stolen from him the way it was. My heart hurts. RIP Johnny.

Marcus Coloma (ex-Nikolas)
One [impactful moment with Johnny] that sticks out is we were with a group of people and one of them said something negative about one of his friends. And Johnny said ‘Oh, that’s actually my friend.’ It’s a small moment but when you lead with so much courage and integrity… and there were many moments that I’d seen him display courage that were admirable and inspirational. But that one changed me and reminded me of principles and ideals… and it changed how I live my life. And when you lead with example like Johnny did, with zero pretense, total authenticity, constantly challenging himself to be better, constantly challenging others to be better, how to communicate better, how to love more… it makes the world a better place. And this is such a loss because Johnny made the world such a better place. And I feel so grateful to have been impacted by the honor of having known such a guy.

Jon Lindstrom (Kevin)
When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share his talent with the world. I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know that’s impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane. For a long time to come. RIP.

Brian Presley (Jack, Port Charles)
Truly heartbroken to learn that my good friend Johnny Wactor was killed last night! Great human being! Rest in peace, brother!

Lydia Look (Selina)
Johnny, I’m crying and will be for a bit. I knew you were talented when you simply just took your shirt off when the rest of us were trying to outdo each other with our skits. I also knew there and then you were fine as wine. I also saw how you’d let others take the spotlight whilst confident and loving in your own space. Most of all, I learned what a magnificent human you were in our long car rides between fan events. I will cherish our chats. Thank you. My deepest condolences to the family of Johnny Wactor. I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heart is with my GH family. Brother, I am so grateful I got to know you. I am going to miss you, Johnny Wactor.

Parry Shen (Brad)
Johnny Wactor and I had never worked together during our time on GH. It was only until this past October that we got to know each other doing a multi-city event on the East Coast. Our flights both got in early, so we walked through Boston together for five hours, had a dinner together, talked drink recipes (he was also a bartender extraordinaire), and shared our career and life stories. I was really excited to have a new person in my life that I instantly and effortlessly connected to. Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. So talented. No ego. Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well. He also got me excited about live theater again after watching a Mamet play. I was truly looking forward to so many more years hanging out with him. We were all cheated of many years with him. To his mom and brothers, Johnny talked so lovingly of you all during our walk. My heart goes out to you.”

Zakary Risinger (ex-Danny)
Learning that we have lost this precious soul is more than we can take today. We first met as he played Zak’s uncle in Sisters of the Groom. They would end up at commercial auditions pulled together as father and son often. When Zak was cast on GH, no one was more excited for him than Johnny to reunite. He was the kindest, most generous ball of love. To be snuffed out like this is unbearable. We send all the love and heart we possibly can to your loved ones and hold you all very close to our hearts. This is proof the world is simply not fair.

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis)
An absolutely inconceivable, enraging, and senseless tragedy. Johnny was a lovely man. Condolences to his family and friends. May they find eventual peace and may his memory be a blessing.

Mark Lawson (ex-Dustin)
Johnny Wactor. A gentleman. A firebrand. A maverick. I didn’t get to work much with him, but in the short time I got to know him, I grew to admire him, even though he was almost a decade younger than me. He was a rock climber, a literal storm chaser. His passion project was a film featuring live tornado chasing! A Beautiful madman. It’s a shame, but sometimes brightest flames burn quickest. Johnny was murdered on Saturday morning after confronting thieves stealing his catalytic converter. What a terrible loss. There are sad and beautiful lessons in this. Just trying to find them. Rest in peace, Johnny.

Cynthia Watros (Nina)
What a kind soul. We lost an amazing man.

Laura Wright (Carly)
Heartbreaking 💔 What an incredible man. Deep love and prayers to Johnny’s family 🙏🏻.

Finola Hughes (Anna)
Gutted… Sending my deepest condolences to his family. The shock is so terrible, for such a genuine young man to be taken so violently. I am incredibly sad for his family. He was a very hardworking person, kind and extremely respectful to his fellow cast members. I am so sorry for his loss.

Dominic Zamprogna (Dante)
“Johnny was fierce and brave. Had been through it all. And was afraid of nothing and no one. Man, did he bring the love and intensity like no one else. He battled and won and did nothing but spread joy and love wherever he went. This is unbelievable and too much. Always wanted to go climbing with you, man. I will get outside, brother.

Kelly Thiebaud (ex-Britt)
I can’t believe the news about Johnny. I can’t. Not him. He was a beautiful, special person. To take him away from his family and people that loved him so you can sell a catalytic converter on the black market for 300 bucks angers me so much! I am in shock.

William Lipton (ex-Cameron)
My heart is broken. Rest in peace, Johnny.

William deVry (Julian)
Honestly, words can’t begin to express the sadness with which to convey my feelings toward losing another GH alum. The senselessness of this [loss] is beyond description. Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP JohnnyWactor and much love and comfort to those who loved him.

Kathleen Gati (Liesl)
Another talented, kind, and generous General Hospital colleague gone too soon. Deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of Johnny 💔.

Jeff Kober (Cyrus)
Farewell to our friend and fellow actor, JohnnyWactor. A beautiful man with a big beautiful heart. One of the kindest most thoughtful and gentle actors I’ve ever worked with. A tragic loss for all who had the gift of knowing him. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Katelyn MacMullen (Willow)
Johnny, you were an incredible man. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Knowing you was a gift. You spread love and light everywhere you went. Heartbroken… there are no words.

Evan Hofer (Dex)
Johnny was an incredible example of the kind of person we should all strive to be. Love you, brother.

Bradford Anderson (Spinelli)
We’re devastated. Johnny was full of life and full of love. A great human.

Tabyana Ali (Trina)
Great man. Great human. Rest in peace.

Emme Rylan (ex-Lulu)
Some things in this life just make no sense. Such a tragic loss of a wonderful person. RIP.

Donnell Turner (Curtis)
Rest easy, Johnny. You were loved by so many. You’ll never be forgotten.

Briana Lane (ex-Brook Lynn)
The world lost a wonderful person yesterday and a true gentleman to everyone he met. I feel lucky to have known him and to have experienced the warmth he exuded so effortlessly. RIP Johnny Wactor 🤍.