When the news broke that former General Hospital star Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in the early hours of Saturday, May 25, the soap world was stunned.
Wactor was only a member of the GH family from 2020 to 2022, but he left his mark on the show as Brando Corbin, Sonny's cousin who died at the hands of the Hook serial killer, Heather Webber.
Fans quickly offered their condolences, and co-stars voiced their shock and sadness over the loss of their friend. Many took to social media to share their love and admiration for Wactor in touching tributes that are sure to warm your hearts.
General Hospital posted an official statement after the news broke on Sunday evening, saying, "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."
Sofia Mattsson posted a beautiful tribute on Instagram. Mattsson plays Brando's widow, Sasha.
"My heart is so utterly broken," she wrote alongside a series of snaps of Brando and Sasha together. "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."
Bonnie Burroughs, who brought Brando's scheming mother, Gladys Corbin, to life, was devastated by the news.
"I am heartbroken and sickened by this terrible loss," she wrote on Instagram. "Johnny I love you. My heart breaks for your real mom and your whole family. The world is darker now."
Ashton Arbab, who only worked with Wactor briefly, playing Brando's "fake" son, Dev, also honored his former co-star.
"Absolutely heartbroken while typing this," Arbab said on Instagram. "Johnny Wactor was not only my TV dad for more than 25 episodes on General Hospital 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."
Co-star Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) also expressed her feelings in an emotional and beautiful Instagram post, revealing her deep friendship with Wactor.
"I'm in a state of disbelief and complete sadness," she wrote. "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 @johnnywactor '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."
Lydia Look (Selina Wu), who developed a friendship with Wactor during personal appearances, was heartbroken by the loss.
"Johnny, I'm crying and will be for a bit," Look wrote on Instagram. "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 & then that you were fine as wine I also saw how you'd let others take the spotlight whilst confident & 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."
Jon Lindstrom, who plays Kevin Collins and played Ryan Chamberlain, admitted the news brought him to tears.
"When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news," he tweeted. "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 that 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. R.I.P. @WactorTractor."
#JohnnyWactor 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 that talent with... pic.twitter.com/IQVqvhe3nn
ó Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom) May 26, 2024
Former GH star Kelly Thiebaud (ex-Britt Westbourne) remained in shock as she saw Wactor's death get coverage on local newscasts.
"Seeing his face on all the news outlets...still doesn't seem real," she tweeted. "My heart goes out to his family...I hope it brings you a small sliver of peace to know how much Johnny was loved. It's just so unbelievably devastating."
Seeing his face on all the news outlets... still doesn't seem real. My heart goes out to his family... i hope it brings you a small sliver of peace to know how much Johnny was loved.
ó kelly thiebaud (@kellythiebaud) May 27, 2024
It's just so unbelievably devastating. #ripJohnnywactor
William deVry, who only worked with Wactor briefly while playing Julian Jerome, was shocked by the loss.
"Honestly, words can't begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum," deVry tweeted. "The senselessness of this loss is beyond description. Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP #JohnnyWactor & much love & comfort to those who loved him."
Honestly, words can't begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum. The senselessness of this lose is beyond description. Johnny was such a good guy. Really horrible. RIP #JohnnyWactor & much love & comfort to those who loved him.
ó William deVry (@WilliamdeVry1) May 26, 2024
Parry Shen (Brad Cooper) shared his grief, as well as some snaps and a short video illustrating Wactor's sense of humor.
"Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul," Shen tweeted. "So talented. As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well. We all were cheated of many years with him."
Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. So talented. As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well.
ó Parry Shen (@parryshen) May 27, 2024
We all were cheated of many years with him. pic.twitter.com/Ca03hAKA4z
Were you shocked and saddened to hear of Wactor's tragic death? What are your favorite memories on Brando on General Hospital? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
