John Redcorn— Jonathan Joss, the beloved voice of John Redcorn from the long-running animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed this past Sunday in San Antonio. The 59-year-old actor, also known for his recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, is being remembered by fans and co-stars alike as tributes pour in across the country.
According to police, Joss was fatally shot during an emotional visit to the site of his former home, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, who was with him at the time, described the incident as a hate-motivated attack. However, San Antonio Police say they have found “no evidence” so far indicating that the shooting was related to Joss’s sexual orientation. The investigation remains ongoing.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Gonzales wrote, “We returned to check our mail and saw the remains of one of our dogs. We were grieving… A man began shouting violent homophobic slurs and then opened fire. Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.” Joss passed away at the scene. A suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Joss, who voiced John Redcorn for over 12 seasons, recently expressed sadness over not being invited to participate in the upcoming King of the Hill revival panel at the ATX Festival in Austin. “That character, that voice, that story… they were my home,” he wrote in April. “To not be invited felt like being shut out of a place I helped build.”
Despite his exclusion, show creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson confirmed that Joss had already contributed to the revival and paid tribute to his legacy: “His voice brought Redcorn to life. He will be missed.”
Co-stars from Parks and Recreation also shared their grief. Actor Nick Offerman told People, “We’re just heartbroken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy. A terrible tragedy.”
Fans on social media remembered Joss not just as a voice actor, but as a storyteller who brought quiet power, depth, and humor to his roles. One viral tribute read, “There’s a hole in my heart where you used to go,” referencing Redcorn’s fictional metal band, Big Mountain Fudgecake. Others recalled his stoic delivery and unforgettable moments from King of the Hill, especially his complex relationship with Nancy Gribble.
Joss’s death is being mourned across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and fan forums, where users are sharing clips, quotes, and heartfelt memories. Many noted the bittersweet timing of his passing—just as King of the Hill prepares to return on Hulu this August.
As his work continues to echo through pop culture, Jonathan Joss is remembered not just for his iconic characters, but for the courage and compassion he showed until his final moments.