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The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Jonathan Joss, the talented actor and voice behind King of the Hill’s iconic character John Redcorn. The 59-year-old was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas, in a tragic incident that has sparked both public grief and renewed discussions around safety and hate crimes.
What Happened: A Shocking Turn of Events
On the evening of Sunday, June 1, San Antonio police responded to an emergency call about an ongoing shooting near a residential area. When they arrived, officers found Joss suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near the roadside. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The alleged shooter, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, initially fled but was apprehended just a block away. He has since been charged with murder, and police say the investigation is still ongoing.
A Crime Fueled by Hate?
In a deeply emotional statement posted on Facebook, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, suggested that the motive behind the killing may have been homophobia. He claimed the couple had endured two years of threats and harassment, including the suspicious burning down of their home.
“Jonathan was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” Tristan wrote. “He died saving my life.”
The San Antonio Police Department acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations, but stated they had found “no evidence” so far directly connecting the shooting to Joss’s sexual orientation. However, they emphasized that the investigation remains active and any new evidence will be pursued.
A Celebrated Career Cut Short
Jonathan Joss first rose to fame when he took over the role of John Redcorn in King of the Hill during its second season, following the death of original voice actor Victor Aaron. Joss’s portrayal of the Native American healer became one of the most memorable characters in the animated series, which ran from 1997 to 2009.
He had recently recorded lines for the upcoming Season 14 revival, set to premiere on Hulu on August 4, making his sudden death even more tragic. Joss had appeared at the ATX TV Festival in Austin just two days prior to the incident, where he shared his thoughts on the show and recent personal hardships, including the loss of his home and two dogs in a fire.
Beyond Redcorn: A Multifaceted Talent
Joss was more than just a voice actor. He played Chief Ken Hotate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation and appeared in well-known TV shows such as Ray Donovan, ER, Charmed, and Friday Night Lights. His film credits include True Grit, The Magnificent Seven, and The Forever Purge.
He was also a musician, performing with The Red Corn Band, and frequently shared his passion for live music with fans through social media.
A Legacy of Representation
Of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, Joss was one of the few Native American voices in mainstream television. His performance as John Redcorn resonated with Indigenous viewers, offering a rare moment of cultural representation in comedy.
“John Redcorn was pretty much the only contemporary Native representation I had in comedy growing up,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Probably the funniest Native character in cartoon history.”
Who was Jonathan Joss in King of the Hill?
Jonathan Joss voiced the character John Redcorn from Season 2 to Season 13 and in the upcoming revival.
How did Jonathan Joss die?
He was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas, in what is being investigated as a potential hate crime.
Was Jonathan Joss’s death a hate crime?
His husband alleges homophobia as a motive, but police say no evidence has confirmed that as of now.
What other shows did Jonathan Joss appear in?
He acted in Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and more.
Will Jonathan Joss appear in the King of the Hill revival?
Yes, he recorded lines for the upcoming Season 14 on Hulu, set to air in August.