A year after the tragic murder of beloved "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor in downtown Los Angeles, following a late-night work shift, his swan song is poised to make its grand debut at the esteemed 2025 Dances with Films Festival. Wactor, aged 37, met an untimely end on May 25, 2024, when police reported that he was confronted by three individuals who had jacked up his car with the intent of stealing its catalytic converter.
The actor's final cinematic endeavor, filmed in 2022, according to FOX 11, is now set to grace the silver screen. Friends and family of Wactor have confirmed to the outlet that "Ciao, Mama," will premiere at the Dances with Films Festival in L.A., taking place on June 24 at TCL Cinemas in Hollywood.
"It is of immense importance to me, and to his family, that his legacy continues to shine brightly through the incredible contributions he made to the world," shared Micah Joe Parker, a fellow actor and cherished friend of Wactor, with FOX 11. Parker described the film as a heartfelt tale of family, friendship, and love, reflecting the essence of his late best friend's life.
On the fateful night of May 25 last year, Wactor was wrapping up his shift at Level 8, a rooftop bar, and was accompanied by his colleague Anita Joy when the deadly confrontation unfolded. In a previous interview with the Daily Mail, Joy revealed that staff had been voicing concerns about inadequate parking for months, yet their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Wactor's mother, Scarlett Wactor, recounted how her son heroically shielded Joy in his final moments. "As they approached their cars, Johnny noticed his vehicle, parked in front of his coworker's, was askew. He asked, 'Hey, man, are you towing my car?' When the masked individual looked up, Johnny realized their intentions and stepped in front of Joy, raising his hands in a gesture of peace, only to be shot," Scarlett previously told Fox News Digital.
"He was never one to shy away from a challenge," echoed Parker. "He left this world as he lived it, stepping in front of his friend to take a bullet for her. In that moment, I vowed to face any obstacles in his honor."
In the days following the murder, Joy posted harrowing details about the incident on her Instagram page. "I needed time to gather my thoughts. I was with Johnny in his final moments, and it is my duty to be his voice now," she wrote. "He was senselessly killed by a coward who didn't hesitate to take his beautiful life. I am angry, sad, and overwhelmed with emotion, but above all, I am determined to seek justice for Johnny."
Nearly three months after Wactor's death, police arrested four suspected members of the Florencia 13 gang in connection with his murder. "Johnny was a victim of this heinous crime, but he lived his life as a warrior, a dreamer, and a doer," said Parker. "As we turn the page, we celebrate his life and legacy."
Wactor began his television career in "Army Wives" before featuring in shows like "Animal Kingdom," "Criminal Minds," and "Westworld." He was best known for portraying Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of "General Hospital" from 2020 to 2022.
