Jonathan Joss: King of the Hill’s John Redcorn Actor Shot Dead
Renowned actor Jonathan Joss, who is best known for voicing the character John Redcorn on the beloved animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed at the age of 59. Reports indicate that his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, believes the incident was a result of a homophobic hate crime, although local authorities have stated they have found no evidence to support this claim.
Incident Details
The incident unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, while Joss and Gonzales visited the site of their former residence, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. Gonzales shared on social media that while checking their post, they came across their deceased dog’s remains and were overwhelmed with grief. This distressing discovery triggered a strong emotional response from the couple.
According to Gonzales, a man approached them while they mourned and began hurling violent homophobic slurs, ultimately escalating to the man brandishing a firearm and firing shots. Gonzales recounted, “We were unarmed and were expressing our grief. My husband pushed me out of the way when the gun was fired, undoubtedly saving my life.”
Law Enforcement Response
Police responded to reports of gunfire, discovering Joss’s lifeless body near the road. A suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Law enforcement reassured the public that the allegations of a hate crime are being taken seriously and emphasized their thorough examination of the evidence as the investigation continues.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Colleagues and friends have expressed their sorrow over Joss’s untimely death. Actor Nick Offerman, famed for his role on Parks and Recreation, shared, “The cast has been in contact all day, mourning this heart-wrenching loss. Jonathan was an incredibly kind soul, and we truly cherished him as Chief Ken Hotate.”
Furthermore, the creators of King of the Hill—Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson—released a heartfelt statement, remarking, “Jonathan Joss brought life to John Redcorn for more than a decade, including in our upcoming revival. His voice will always be a cherished part of our show, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Joss’s Recent Activities
Joss had recently attended a panel discussion for King of the Hill at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, where he expressed his desire to remain connected to a beloved series that had significantly shaped his career. He had noted feelings of exclusion regarding not being invited to a panel but remained passionate about the show and its impact on his life.
Table: Highlights of Jonathan Joss’s Career
| Show | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| King of the Hill | John Redcorn | 1997 – 2009 |
| Parks and Recreation | Chief Ken Hotate | 2009 – 2015 |
As his loved ones and the entertainment industry remember Joss, the loss of such a talented and kind-hearted individual resonates deeply. His remarkable contributions to television and his legacy as an advocate for representation will continue to inspire.
