Johnny Wactor's tragic wish to return to General Hospital before murder at 37

Actor Johnny Wactor has been shot dead at the age of just 37 - two years after his dramatic departure from soap opera General Hospital .

The brutal slaying in Los Angeles has left fans heartbroken. His character, Brando Corbin, was written out of the script in 2022 with a death of his own. During an Instagram Reel, Johnny admitted he was open to a return and revival of Brando.

Johnny said at the time of his character's death: "I'm so blessed, and I'm gonna miss you guys. Thank you so much for letting me bring Brando Corbin to life. Thank you for caring, and thank you for the support and the well wishes for my future endeavors, whether that's back in Port Charles at some point, or other films or shows."

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Following the character's death, Johnny was overwhelmed by the support he received from fans. However, he acknowledged that not everyone was a fan of his character. "Whether you were excited to see Brando Corbin killed off, or outraged and have questions — I'm just so lucky to have been on this show. Truly," he said.

Before his death, Johnny pleasantly remarked that "fans of General Hospital are the best fans in the best fans in the world." He added: "I truly believe that and this is just further evidence."

Johnny was grateful for his time on the soap opera as he admitted he was "lucky" to get the job. In fact, he added that he was "trying gonna miss" the show and loyal fanbase.

"As an actor, we're lucky anytime we get a job. To be on a show that has a fanbase that is this loyal and cares this much, I'm truly gonna miss it," he concluded. "I'm gonna miss reading y'all's comments and opinions on what the character should do, or what the writer should do. It's really a unique experience."

Johnny was killed Saturday morning after he was the target of an alleged theft. Johnny, his mother Scarlett, and a co-worker saw three men allegedly trying to steal his catalytic converter. While his mother told TMZ that he didn't confront the alleged thieves, but they reportedly shot him nonetheless.

After being taken to the hospital, Johnny was pronounced dead. Scarlett said that his death left a "huge hole in the family's heart," remembering the star as a "loving young man."