Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn in ‘King of the Hill,’ Fatally Shot at 59 in San Antonio

Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed Native American actor known for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, was tragically killed in a shooting on June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59 years old.

The incident occurred outside Joss’s former residence, which had been destroyed by fire earlier this year. According to his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the couple returned to the site to check their mail and discovered the remains of one of their missing dogs. During this visit, they were confronted by neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who allegedly shouted homophobic slurs before opening fire. Joss was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ceja was arrested and charged with murder.

Gonzales stated that he and Joss had endured years of harassment and threats due to their relationship. He recounted that during the attack, Joss shielded him from the gunfire, saving his life. Despite these claims, the San Antonio Police Department has not found evidence linking the murder to Joss’s sexual orientation but continues to investigate.

Joss, of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, had a prolific career spanning over three decades. He voiced John Redcorn from the second season of King of the Hill through its original run and had recently begun recording for its upcoming revival. His film credits include roles in True Grit, The Magnificent Seven, and Tulsa King.

The entertainment community mourns the loss of Jonathan Joss, remembering him not only for his contributions to television and film but also for his advocacy for authentic Native representation in media. His legacy endures through his impactful performances and dedication to cultural authenticity.