King of the Hill" and "Pocahontas II" Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Passes Away at Age of 59

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jonathan Joss, the talented actor best known for voicing John Redcorn in the iconic animated series King of the Hill. On June 1, 2025, Joss was fatally shot near his home in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 59. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claims the attack was motivated by homophobia, following years of harassment and a previous arson attack on their home 15.

  • Jonathan Joss’s career and his unforgettable role as John Redcorn.
  • The tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
  • The allegations of homophobic violence and the ongoing investigation.
  • The impact of his legacy on fans and the entertainment industry.
King of the Hill" and "Pocahontas II" Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Passes Away at Age of 59
King of the Hill” and “Pocahontas II” Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Passes Away at Age of 59

Who Was Jonathan Joss? The Man Behind John Redcorn

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Jonathan Joss, born on August 14, 1965, was a Native American actor of Apache and Comanche descent. He began his acting career in 1994, appearing in Walker, Texas Ranger and films like 8 Seconds 1.

Breakthrough Role: John Redcorn in King of the Hill

Joss’s most iconic role was John Redcorn, the charismatic Native American healer and musician in King of the Hill. He took over the role in Season 2 after the original actor, Victor Aaron, passed away in a car accident 11.

  • John Redcorn’s character was known for his humor, charm, and complicated relationship with Nancy Hicks (voiced by Ashley Gardner).
  • Joss voiced Redcorn for 12 seasons, becoming a fan favorite.
  • He had already recorded lines for the upcoming King of the Hill reboot on Hulu, set to premiere in August 2025 4.

Other Notable Roles

Beyond King of the Hill, Joss had memorable performances in:

  • Parks and Recreation as Chief Ken Hotate.
  • Tulsa King (2022) and films like True Grit and The Magnificent Seven.
  • Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (2023) as a voice actor 5.

The Tragic Shooting: A Hate Crime Allegation

What Happened?

On June 1, 2025, Joss and his husband were checking mail at their former home, which had been burned down in January 2025 in a suspected arson attack that killed their three dogs 8.

According to Tristan Kern de Gonzales:

  • A man approached them, yelled homophobic slurs, and opened fire.
  • Joss pushed his husband out of the way, saving his life but was fatally shot.
  • The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja (56), was arrested and charged with murder 10.

Was It a Hate Crime?

  • De Gonzales insists the attack was homophobic, citing years of harassment.
  • San Antonio Police say there’s no current evidence linking the shooting to Joss’s sexual orientation but are investigating 3.
walkerton-community-vigil
walkerton-community-vigil

The Aftermath: Industry Reactions and Fan Tributes

Hollywood Pays Tribute

  • Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson (King of the Hill creators) released a statement:“Jonathan Joss brought John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons… His voice will be missed.” 11
  • Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) called it a “terrible tragedy” 1.

Fan Outpouring

Fans have flooded social media with tributes:

  • “John Redcorn was a legend. Rest in power.”
  • “This was a hate crime. Justice for Jonathan Joss.” 6

Conclusion: A Legacy Cut Short

Jonathan Joss’s death is a heartbreaking loss for fans of King of the Hill and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. While his voice lives on in the upcoming reboot, his tragic end underscores the ongoing dangers faced by marginalized communities.

How to Honor His Memory

  • Support LGBTQ+ organizations like The Trevor Project or GLAAD.
  • Rewatch King of the Hill and appreciate his iconic performance.
  • Demand justice if new evidence confirms a hate crime.
References to King of the Hill, Parks and Recreation, and related topics.

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