US actor Johnny Wactor, best-known for his role as Brando Corbin in "General Hospital", was shot and killed in a suspected robbery attempt in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning.

Wactor's agent David Shaul confirmed the news to media on Sunday. He was 37.

The LA Police Department said a man was fatally shot by one of three suspects attempting to rob a car. The shooting occurred in the area of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street.

Shaul said: "Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. 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."

"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."

Wactor played Brando in the ABC soap opera, appearing in more than 160 episodes, Variety reports. He further appeared in series "Criminal Minds", "NCIS", "The Passenger" and "Agent X".