The cast and crew of ABC’s General Hospital paid tribute to late cast member Johnny Wactor with a title card after an episode that aired on June 11. Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on the soap opera, passed away at age 37 on May 25. The card featured a photo of Wactor with text that read ‘In Loving Memory Of Johnny Wactor,’ in honor of his time on the show from 2020 to 2022.
ABC released an official statement expressing their sadness over Wactor’s passing on May 26. Giovanni Mazza, who portrays Gio Palmieri on the show, spoke to Us Weekly about how his colleagues will never forget Wactor. Mazza mentioned that even though he did not personally know Wactor, the entire family of General Hospital mourns his loss and will continue to strive forward in his memory.
Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, confirmed her son’s death one day after the tragedy occurred. An autopsy revealed that Wactor died by homicide, from a gunshot wound to the chest. Grant Wactor, Johnny’s brother, explained that Johnny was trying to protect a colleague from perpetrators who were attempting to steal a car. Grant emphasized their family’s values of never letting a female walk alone and described Johnny’s heroic actions in trying to protect his coworker.
Grant Wactor spoke to Extra on May 28 about the difficult time leading up to confirming his brother’s passing. He shared about trying to contact Johnny multiple times and his relief at finally being able to speak to a detective to confirm the news. Many of Johnny Wactor’s General Hospital costars also took to social media to share their own tributes to the late actor. Sofia Mattson, who played Sasha Gilmore, described Johnny as genuine, caring, hard-working, and humble, with a huge heart that spread kindness and joy to everyone around him.
Johnny Wactor is survived by his parents and siblings, leaving behind a significant impact on those who knew him and worked with him. The tribute card honoring Wactor on General Hospital serves as a remembrance of his contributions to the show and the positive influence he had on his colleagues. The memory of Johnny Wactor will continue to live on through the love and respect shown by those who worked alongside him.
