General Hospital
Johnny Wactor’s Co-Worker, Anita Joy, Speaks Out For First Time Since His Fatal Shooting and Saving Her Life
Those who knew Johnny Wactor (ex-Brando Corbin, GH) were well aware of what an upstanding man he was. As tributes poured in when news that the General Hospital alum was shot and killed by one of three car thieves, they all spoke to his qualities as a human being.
Over the first 24 hours since his passing, the public learned Wactor lost his life putting himself in front of a female co-worker when confronted by his assailants, following their shift at a downtown LA bar. The thieves were attempting to steal his catalytic converter from his vehicle.
Now. Wactor’s former co-work, Anita Joy, has spoken out for the first time via her Instagram account of what happened on that fateful morning and her remembrances accompanied by photos and videos with Johnny. As many now know, Johnny died a hero.
Photo: AJoyInstagram
Anita began, “I’ve needed to take some time to collect myself and my thoughts. I was with Johnny in his last moments and I’m here to be his voice after such unimaginable events. His story is in this post as it happened, please swipe through the top photos and read it. Early Saturday morning (May 25) after our bartending shift Friday night at Level 8 in DTLA.”
“He was killed senselessly by a coward who reacted without care of the gorgeous life he was taking,” Joy shared. So, I’m angry, I’m sad and I’m all of the feelings and once … but above all, I am here for Johnny’s justice. My friend of 8 years went from laughing together, working side by side, leaving our bartending shift and walking to our cars, to him dying in my arms in the street of DTLA in the dark hours of 3am.”
She went on to say, “Everything happened in an instant. I’ve come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and you’re scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone.” Joy said that she and Wactor, “cautiously approached the men questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed.”
Photo: ABC
“We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace, Joy recounted. “Johnny was between me and the man who shot him – as I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms as I grabbed for him I shouted, ‘Hunny, you OK?’ And he only responded, ‘Nope! Shot!’ Joy went on to say that she and Johnny “toppled onto the street” where she was trying to hold his body up as she was screaming for help and screaming at Johnny to “stay with me.”
Next, Joy details that a security guard named Bryan ran into the street and phoned 911. Anita wrote, “I’m so thankful for Bryan showing up, trying with all his might to save Johnny. My only peace is that I was him and this didn’t happen to him alone. My other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice.”
Speaking on Wactor’s character, Joy added, “Johnny had this incredible ability that was truly just his genuine nature – to make anyone and everyone feel so special in his eyes. No matter how well you knew him, he treated everyone like he truly cared about you. He lit up any room – you couldn’t not smile around him. His energy was magnetic and pulled you in so effortlessly – you were safe with him. He treated everyone with love, respect, compassion and he really ‘saw’ you.”
Photo: ABC
“He was beautiful, goofy as hell, full of work ethic and values, he never put people down, even when joking, he never made you feel unsure of yourself – he knew how to be hilarious in such a positive way and it just made him that much more lovable. It just filled your heart to be around him,” she recalled. Johnny made you love him instantly,” Joy added. “Absolutely one of the best men I’ve ever known. I’m so grateful to have been a part of his world and him, mine. My heart is shattered with his loss but I believe l have gained the best guardian Angel out there. I love you Johnny Wacky.”
Anita then addressed the crime that took Johnny’s life and how Level 8 did not provide parking for its late night shift workers. Joy explained, “These criminals need to be caught – Level 8 needs to provide parking for their late hour staff as they originally promised- This cannot be something that isn’t responded to with action, it needs to be addressed in a manner to prevent anything like this ever happening again to the best of their ability – Level 8 needs to contribute to Johnny’s family to honor and respect him for all the hard work and effort he did for them.”
Photo: AJoyIG
Speaking on GoFundMe page that has been set for Wactor, Anita spoke about Johnny’s family, expressing, “They are on the other side of the country and it’s going to be a lot on them emotionally and financially to get Johnny home to them.”
What do you think about Anita’s account of Johnny dying in her arms after shielding her from the thieves who were trying to steal his catalytic converter in his car? Her remembrances of the man she became friends and co-workers with? Comment below.
I am glad she was with him and he was not alone. I hope that she will remain strong going forward and I hope that the workplace will do the right thing in making sure their workers are safe when leaving so late, they have to do the right thing, had the business taken action earlier this could have been prevented.
The business didn’t know that this would have happened.
Its downtown L.A., its a crap hole, of course this is going to happen!
That section of downtown is far from “a crap hole” with many new apartments sprouting up. That said, I wouldn’t likely walk solo at 3am in the morning.
Ok, Jesus.
Her point being the employer knew the late night staff had previously expressed their concerns about safety. Her words: “Level 8 needs to provide parking for their late hour staff as they originally promised”
Right or wrong, I’d bet a civil suit against the employer is on the way.
Yes, sadly, the employer should’ve provided employee parking for it’s late night staff. The more details we learn, the sadder this becomes. Prayers for her. Prayers for Johnny’s family.
If you read the news, you’ll see that these brazen criminals are stealing those Catalitic Converters right in owner’s driveways. They will go to any means to obtain them and unfortunately there really isn’t a safe place except for a locked garage and who knows how far these scumbags will go to get what they want
Level 8 should definitely have provided employee parking. Especially for those who work so late.
Johnny sounds like he was a great guy.
Michael,
Saying I’m gutted is so melodramatic, so I’ll just skip the hyperbole.
Reading something horrific about someone you lived with is awful beyond belief.
I knew Johnny for a brief time. In fact, he was my roommate for a very short time in the San Fernando Valley. We shared the same disgusting landlord. I have to be honest. When I first heard his name I was like an Actor by the name of Wactor. I thought it was some kind of joke but it was the truth and I actually have a famous name (none of the money) so I get it.
Johnny was a very charismatic guy who at that time was getting his life together and was doing the acting thing. This was before his stint on General Hospital.
Johnny was a nice, generous young man who you can’t help but want to be around, always wanted to be positive regardless if people deserved it or not. He was definitely not hard on the eyes.
I was sad to see Johnny move on from the apartment and I was overjoyed when he landed the General Hospital gig. I was heartbroken to hear he was released from the show for “storyline purposes.”
I sincerely hope that the despicable pieces of human excrement involved with this killing will be looking up from the lowest pit of Hell for all eternity.
Rest easy and thank you for being part of my life, Johnny. God bless you. My prayers are with your friends and your loved ones at this truly terrible time.
Thank you for your kind and sincere account of Johnny’s last day . I live in the San Diego area and worried when a few years ago my granddaughter worked at bartending and faced the same scary situation of walking to a parking area at 3AM. I think any large city faces these unsafe issues, not just L.A as depicted by a lot of fans here. I’m sorry this happened to Anita and her dear friend ,Johnny. We only knew him as a beloved actor that we saw on our TV screen but this is something she’ll carry forever. Hopefully, her memories, nightmares, etc will lesson in time.
General Hospital
Michael Easton and Jophielle Love Share Heartfelt Messages Following Airing of Last ‘General Hospital’ Scenes Together
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after General Hospital viewers watched the Thursday June 27th episode. In it, Finn (Michael Easton) comes to say goodbye to his daughter Violet (Jophielle Love), who is now in the temporary custody of his brother Chase (Josh Swickard), before he heads out to rehab.
The episode also would be Michael Easton’s last with the ABC soap opera as Finn was written-off the canvas. Fans of the soap, watched the heartbreaking Finn and Violet scenes, and following its airing, both Love and Easton shared touching posts on their Instagram accounts accompanied by photos.
Easton shared, “This is the hardest goodbye of all for me. The first picture was taken right after Violet and Finn’s last goodbye. After they said cut, Jophielle Love and I immediately found each other and we hung on like we didn’t want it to end. The last video was taken between scenes on the very first day we met and I remember it like yesterday. Jophielle you are pure magic and you are going to do amazing things in this life. Go forward with rainbows in your heart and know that I will never forget you.”
Photo: MEastonIG
Love (through the writing by her mom) shared: “How do I say good bye ? Michael and Jophielle have been working together on General Hospital for 5 years now ! Over 100 episodes… Today’s scenes were an absolute heartbreak . Jophielle doesn’t lose sight of the possibility of her parents coming back into her GH life … This scene was way too familiar from one she experienced on her first few months on set as her tv mother went through what felt like the same door … saying good bye … and never returning to this day! Poor Violet lost everyone… Jophielle was genuinely very sad … Her chemistry with Michael on set was amazing from day one , as she always insisted to fix his hair before each take as a five years old. Now she is 10 … and … tears were pouring down. It was a very very hard day on set and everyone was tearing up … She managed to get through it all like a pro , …. It was … very emotional and also amazing. Like a grown up scene.”
Photo JLoveIG
In a personal note from Love’s mother it read, “Michael … I speak as a mom today who has been there on set every step of the way , being so thankful for you and for Rebecca Budig’s incredible love and instant connection with Jophielle. There is something to be said about tv families… and even more on a show like General Hospital, where these families have such a real bound as they are part of a long lasting legacy … Like Jophielle does … I really hope you get to come back …. Never say never … we love you Michael and we thank you for everything. See you soon 😘”
Photo: ABC
What did you think of the touching posts and sentiments from Michael and Jophielle and her mom? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but in case you missed it, grab the hankies and watch the emotional goodbye between Finn and Violet below.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Finn and Violet Share an Emotional Goodbye Before He Leaves for Rehab
Thursday’s June 27th episode of General Hospital featured one of the saddest and most heartbreaking goodbye scenes in recent memory. In story, Finn (Michael Easton) comes to see his young daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love), who is now staying at the Quartermaines, to tell her why he has to leave her and head to rehab to get help for his drinking problem.
In real life, this marked Michael Easton’s final GH episode in the role of Hamilton Finn. The way the exit was positioned in story, Finn has to go away for three months to rehab. Just how the show will explain his continued absence remains to be seen.
Easton’s final scenes were extremely emotional, and we are sure that the audience at home was reduced to tears and reaching for the hankies throughout. When Finn arrives to see Violet, the two share a hug while she’s concerned about his bandaged hand. Violet tells her dad she wants to go home with him, but he explains he is sick and needs to go away on his own to get help to stop drinking.
Courtesy/ABC
With tears streaming down his face, Finn tells Violet that he doesn’t want to leave her, but he has to go and if he doesn’t he won’t get better. He can’t let what happened the other night (when she found him passed out on the floor and bleeding) ever happen again. Violet cries that he thought he was was dead like her Grandpa.
Violet says she can help Finn, as she becomes more and more desperate to not be separated from her father, whom she loves so dear. In tears, Finn tells his daughter, they can take care of each other, and when he is better he can be there for her the way a father is supposed to be.
Courtesy/ABC
As Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) look on with tears streaming down their faces. Finn and Violet hug one last time before he leaves. As he walks out with Chase to drive him to rehab, a sad Violet looks on.
At the conclusion of the episode, Easton shares his final scenes with Josh Swickard. As brothers Finn and Chase, the two are there for each other in the darkest of times. Remember, they are still grieving the loss of their father. Finn thanks Chase for allowing him to say goodbye to Violet. Chase promises to take good care of her. However, Chase warns Finn to not to take any shortcuts on his way to sobriety and to always think of Violet’s wellbeing.
Courtesy/ABC
It is apparent, the brothers don’t want to say goodbye, but on the count of three, Finn leaves Chase’s car and walks through the door of the rehab facility, while Chase in tears beats the steering wheel before drives away.
What did you think of the Michael Easton’s final GH episode? The goodbye scenes and performances by Michael and Jophielle Love? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
General Hospital Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Goodbyes to Michael Easton
Michael Easton is set to exit General Hospital on-air tomorrow on the Thursday, June 27th episode of the ABC soap opera. This comes on the heels of the actor’s videotaped announcement on Wednesday via his Instagram, where he revealed that he has wrapped his run as Dr. Hamilton Finn.
Since the time of the video’s posting, several of his GH co-stars have followed suit with comments on their time working with the popular actor, who has been with the show on and off since 2012, and in three different roles; John McBain, Silas Clay, and lastly, Finn.
Michael’s exit comes as Finn has fallen off the wagon, and is losing custody of his daughter, Violet due to his drinking. Previously, Finn found his father, Gregory had passed away in the middle of the night after battling ALS. The material has given Easton a chance to shine in memorable performances as he says goodbye to his time with GH.
Photo: ABC
Here’s just a sampling of what some of Michael’s pals and GH co-stars had to say to him below:
Maura West (Ava): “MEastie, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with you … you are just an exceptional person… as an actor, author, poet, friend. Your ample talent surpassed only by your humor, decency, kindness and charm. Class A1 in every way. xxo your fan and friend forever, MWestie.”
Jophielle Love (Violet): “💔😢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 There are no words…”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis): “The class, grace and elegance in which you just did that is why I will miss you every working day.”
Finola Hughes (Anna): “Michael, love you. You are a stellar person, a wonderful actor and I had the most fun and unique storyline with you and loved every moment.”
Photo: ABC
Jon Lindstrom (Kevin): “You’re a gift to any set you choose to work on, and an excellent artist no matter where or what you create. Proud to call you my friend Michael. Be seeing you soon.”
Emma Samms (Holly): “I’m SO sorry I didn’t get to work with you again..!”
Eden McCoy (Josslyn): “You are magic love you forever Michael”
Risa Dorken (Amy): “Amy will always have a crush on Dr. Finn… Rise will always love & appreciate Michael. Thank you for your warmth & professionalism every time.”
Photo: ABC
Brook Kerr (Portia): “This was gutting. You are a phenomenal actor and man…until next time.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-Felix): “Congratulations Michael! It was a pleasure to work there when you were there.”
Jacqueline Grace Lopez (Blaze): “Your work was inspired. Congrats on an incredible character. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Lydia Look (Selina Wu): “Love to you Michael! Keep riding.”
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post with more reactions from the cast as they are posted across social media.
What do you think about the high regard Michael’s GH co-stars have him? Will you miss him on the ABC soap opera? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Michele Val Jean Gives Update on New CBS Soap ‘The Gates’, “People are Boarding and Taking Seats!” Who Might Be in the Cast?
What if There Was A Crossover Romance Between Y&R’s Nick and B&B’s Steffy? Joshua Morrow Weighs-In
WWE SmackDown: The Rogue ‘Bloodline’ Attack Paul Heyman After He Refuses To Acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the New Tribal Chief
Michael Easton and Jophielle Love Share Heartfelt Messages Following Airing of Last ‘General Hospital’ Scenes Together
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Finn and Violet Share an Emotional Goodbye Before He Leaves for Rehab
The Bold and the Beautiful 2024 Summer Swimwear Photo Shoot
Michael Easton Exits General Hospital
Michael Easton and Jophielle Love Share Heartfelt Messages Following Airing of Last ‘General Hospital’ Scenes Together
General Hospital Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Goodbyes to Michael Easton
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Finn and Violet Share an Emotional Goodbye Before He Leaves for Rehab
Michael Easton and Jophielle Love Share Heartfelt Messages Following Airing of Last ‘General Hospital’ Scenes Together
Robin Wright’s ‘Santa Barbara’ Beginnings Recalled by Former Co-Star, A Martinez and Series Co-Creator, Jerome Dobson
Michael Easton Exits General Hospital
Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson on Thomas ‘Shocker’ and Impact on Hope: “The Last Thing He Ever Wanted to Do Was Hurt Her”
-
PreviewsJune 21, 2024THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Thomas Returns and He’s Engaged, Leaving Hope Stunned
-
NewsJune 25, 2024The Bold and the Beautiful 2024 Summer Swimwear Photo Shoot
-
Breaking NewsJune 26, 2024Michael Easton Exits General Hospital
-
General HospitalJune 28, 2024Michael Easton and Jophielle Love Share Heartfelt Messages Following Airing of Last ‘General Hospital’ Scenes Together
-
General HospitalJune 21, 2024Ryan Paevey Makes Statement on Why He is Stepping Back from Acting While Being ‘Grateful to General Hospital for Giving a Green Actor a Chance’ and ‘Hallmark for Changing My Life’
-
Breaking NewsJune 22, 2024‘Santa Barbara’ Episodes May See Light of Day Yet; Will the Beloved Soap Opera Come to Streaming?