'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor's ex tells killer 'you shot the wrong guy' in emotional video
Johnny Wactor's ex is tearfully honoring the "General Hospital" star after his killing — and calling for justice.
In an emotional video shared Monday on social media, Tessa Farrell, who identified herself as Wactor's former fiancée, remembered the actor as "such a bright soul" after he was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend. She wore the ring they used when they were engaged while she spoke directly to the camera.
"He was really loved, and he loved all of you so much," Farrell said in the video, wiping away tears as she spoke. "He loved everyone so much. He was so selfless. He will forever be a huge part of my journey as a human being."
According to KTLA, Wactor was shot and killed early Saturday during an attempted catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles. Police said he saw three men stealing the catalytic converter from his car and was shot after he confronted them, the local TV station reported.
"This can't keep happening," Farrell said in her video. "So many lives are being lost."
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Johnny Wactor,'General Hospital' actor, shot and killed at 37: Reports
Farrell went on to directly address Wactor's killer, telling them, "You shot the wrong guy." She also called for "legislation to prevent this from happening," adding, "These criminals can't keep being on the street and they can't keep being sent back and have no repercussions for their actions."
Farrell explained that she and Wactor fell in love after meeting in 2013 when they both moved to California to pursue acting. Although they "had to let each other go romantically" because they "were just better as friends" and their engagement was "rushed," she said she will always love him.
In addition to playing Brando Corbin on "General Hospital," Wactor also had roles on shows like "NCIS, "The OA" and "Westworld."
Farrell said that she is "so happy" that her ex-fiancé "found happiness before he went," in part due to the popularity of his role on "General Hospital." She also spoke directly to Wactor in the video.
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"I love you very much, and I'm very proud of you for the person that you've become and the obstacles you've overcame, and you've forever inspired me in my work and what I do, and I wouldn't be here without what you taught me," she said. "So thank you, Johnny. I love you. I miss you."
Farrell closed by telling her followers to "be like Johnny and stand up and do what's right." In the caption of her Instagram post, she included the number for the Los Angeles Police Department and asked followers to call with any information they might have about those responsible for his death. "If you'd like to help raise awareness for stricter crime and theft laws in California, please use hashtag #justiceforjohnny," she wrote.
Wactor's agent, David Shaul, previously remembered the actor as a "spectacular human being" in a statement shared with Variety.
"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," Shaul said. "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."
Contributing: Pamela Avila, USA TODAY