I replaced the part but it didn't help. The old shifter was a little worn but didn't seem to be the problem. I replaced it anyway. Looking at things a little closer, when I move the shifter white still in park you can see the end of the cable move a little but it doesn't move at all on the transmission end until it goes into reverse. It'* hard to shift out of park but shifts easy after that. According to the indicator it'* not going into low (1).

Sounds like the cable is worn out or damaged. I don't see where it has been replaced in this thread, but I may have missed it. My guess it that the actuator didn't need to be replaced anyways, and that the scary mechanic sent you on a wild goose chase.