Tragic Death of “King of the Hill” Actor Jonathan Joss
June 3, 2025 – In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jonathan Joss, the beloved actor known for voicing John Redcorn in the animated series “King of the Hill,” has been shot and killed. The shocking incident occurred in Texas, with his husband alleging it was a homophobic hate crime, though local authorities have stated there is currently no evidence to support that claim.
The 59-year-old actor, who also played Chief Ken Hotate on “Parks and Recreation,” was fatally wounded while visiting the site of their previous residence, which was tragically lost in a fire earlier this year. According to Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss’s husband, the couple returned to retrieve their mail when they encountered an assailant who began shouting violent slurs before opening fire.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Gonzales recounted the distressing circumstances on social media, sharing that the couple discovered the skull of one of their deceased pets alongside its harness—an emotionally triggering moment for both of them. As they reacted to the painful sight, a man approached, hurling homophobic insults before pulling out a gun.
“Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” Gonzales described, emphasizing that they were unarmed and merely mourning their loss. “He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get.”
The police responded to reports of the shooting, finding Joss lying on the roadside in San Antonio. Authorities have since arrested Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who is suspected of the murder.
Community Reaction and Tributes
In light of this tragedy, tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Nick Offerman, Joss’s co-star from “Parks and Recreation,” expressed his heartbreak, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate.” Meanwhile, creators of “King of the Hill,” including Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, released a statement acknowledging Joss’s significant contribution to the show, highlighting his portrayal of John Redcorn over many seasons. “His voice will be missed,” they said.
Joss’s Legacy
Joss was actively engaged in the revival of “King of the Hill,” recently appearing at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas. He expressed feeling excluded from the panel featuring the series, indicating that the show had been a significant part of his life.
“That character, that voice, that story… they were my home, my pride, my connection to something bigger than myself,” he wrote on Facebook in April, lamenting the lack of an invitation.
| Character | Show | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| John Redcorn | King of the Hill | 1997 – 2009 |
| Chief Ken Hotate | Parks and Recreation | 2009 – 2015 |
As the investigation into Jonathan Joss’s murder continues, his friends, family, and fans are left to mourn a talented individual whose impact will not be forgotten.
