General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor shot and killed during suspected theft

General Hospital star Johnny Wactor has been shot and killed during a suspected theft, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The actor was just 37 years old.

Wactor is believed to have been shot while trying to stop a group of three men attempting to steal his car's catalytic converter.

The LAPD confirmed the shooting incident took place at around 3am on Saturday morning (25 May) near the intersection of Hope Street and Pico Boulevard.

Wactor’s talent agent David Shaul confirmed the tragic news in a statement provided to Variety.

Johnny Wactor has tragically died. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

He said: "Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him.

"Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.

"Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."

At around 3am in the early hours of Saturday morning, one of the suspects is believed to have fired at Wactor, leading to the trio feeling the scene.

Police were dispatched to the location at around 3.15am, with paramedics rushing the victim to hospital shortly after.

Wactor was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Johnny's mother Scarlett told NBC4: "I just don't understand what a senseless coward act by that person."

No descriptions of the suspects have been immediately provided by local officials.

The actor was just 37. (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)

Such theft of catalytic converters is particularly common in the US because their rich metals can be resold at a very good rate.

Anyone with any information regarding this case are urged to call the LAPD's Central Station at 213-486-6606.

Alternatively, you can anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Wactor portrayed Brando in the much loved ABC soap General Hospital from 2020 to 2022.

He appeared in more than 160 episodes, playing the son of Gladys Corbin (Bonnie Borroughs) who was married to drug addict Sasha Corbin, played by Sofia Mattsson.

He also starred in Westworld, The OA, Station 19 and NCIS.

On top of that, Wactor worked on a bunch of short films, including The Grass Is Never Greener, GoldenBox, The Con-Artist and A Most Suitable Applicant.

The actor is survived by his mother Scarlett and brothers Lance and Grant.