Jonathan Joss: A Life Cut Short
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, actor Jonathan Joss, known for his voice role as John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill, has been fatally shot in Texas. The actor’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claims the shooting was motivated by homophobic hate, a claim that local police have yet to substantiate.
Details of the Incident
Joss, at the age of 59, was visiting the site of a former home alongside his husband when the tragedy unfolded. Their previous residence had been destroyed in a fire earlier this year, which they attribute to repeated threats they received over the span of two years from individuals in their neighborhood. According to Gonzales, as they returned to check on their mail, they encountered an emotionally distressing scene that included the skull of one of their deceased pets.
Gonzales recounted that while he and Joss were grieving and expressing their distress, a man approached them and began yelling violent homophobic slurs before opening fire. “We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” Gonzales shared.
Investigation Status
Following the shooting, police found Joss lying on the ground in San Antonio. A suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested and is facing murder charges. Authorities have stated that while they take allegations of hate crimes seriously, their investigation has not yet uncovered any evidence linking the murder to Joss’s sexual orientation.
The San Antonio Police Department released a statement emphasizing their commitment to a thorough investigation, indicating, “Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly.”
Remembering Jonathan Joss
The news of Joss’s death has left his colleagues and friends in mourning. Actor Nick Offerman, who starred alongside Joss in Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.”
The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, expressed their condolences, noting that Joss’s contributions as John Redcorn were a significant part of the show’s legacy. “His voice will be missed,” they added.
Joss’s Legacy
Prior to his untimely death, Joss had recently participated in a panel discussion at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas. Despite expressing disappointment in not being formally invited to participate, he took to social media to voice the importance of the show to him, stating, “This show was a part of my life for many years… to not be invited felt like being shut out of a place I helped build.”
Upcoming Projects
Joss was set to reprise his iconic role as John Redcorn in the upcoming revival of King of the Hill, a testament to his lasting impact on the show, which has been adored by fans since its debut in 1997. The revival is scheduled for release on Hulu on August 4.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jonathan Joss |
| Age | 59 |
| Role | John Redcorn in King of the Hill |
| Incident Date | June 3, 2025 |
| Suspect | Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja |
| Upcoming Revivals | King of the Hill on Hulu, August 4 |
The tragic loss of Jonathan Joss has left an indelible mark on his loved ones and the entertainment industry. His voice and presence will surely be missed.
