The voice acting community is mourning the tragic loss of Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill. Joss was fatally shot on June 1, 2025, outside his former home in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 59. His death has sparked conversations about hate crimes, representation, and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
A Trailblazer in Voice Acting
Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan Joss was of White Mountain Apache and Comanche descent. He began his acting career in the early 1990s, with roles in television series like Walker, Texas Ranger and films such as 8 Seconds. However, it was his portrayal of John Redcorn in King of the Hill that brought him widespread recognition. Joss took over the role in the show’s second season, following the untimely death of original voice actor Victor Aaron. His performance added depth and authenticity to the character, making John Redcorn a memorable figure in animated television.
Beyond King of the Hill, Joss had a recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation and appeared in various other television shows and films, including True Grit and The Magnificent Seven. He was also a musician, performing with The Red Corn Band, which was inspired by his King of the Hill character.
The Tragic Incident
On the evening of June 1, Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, were visiting their former residence on Dorsey Drive to collect mail. The home had been destroyed in a fire earlier in the year, an incident that resulted in the loss of their belongings and the death of their three dogs. While at the property, they encountered neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who allegedly confronted them with homophobic slurs before shooting Joss multiple times. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene. Ceja was arrested shortly after and charged with first-degree murder.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Initially, the San Antonio Police Department stated there was no evidence to classify the shooting as a hate crime. However, following public outcry and further investigation, Police Chief William McManus retracted the statement, acknowledging it was premature and that the possibility of a hate crime was being considered. Texas law allows hate crime designations to impact sentencing rather than being separate charges.
The LGBTQ+ community and advocacy groups have expressed deep concern over the incident. Pride San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Department held a community forum to address safety concerns and discuss the handling of the case.
A Legacy of Representation
Jonathan Joss was more than a talented voice actor; he was a pioneer in bringing authentic Native American representation to mainstream media. His work opened doors for Indigenous actors and brought attention to the importance of cultural accuracy in entertainment. Joss’s commitment to his heritage and his community left an indelible mark on the industry.
He had recently completed recordings for the upcoming King of the Hill revival, set to premiere in August 2025. His return to the role of John Redcorn was highly anticipated by fans and colleagues alike.
Remembering a Beloved Artist
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation, described him as “always such a kind dude.”
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared heartfelt memories of their time together, emphasizing Joss’s bravery and love. He recounted Joss’s final moments, stating that Joss saved his life by pushing him out of harm’s way during the attack.
Jonathan Joss’s untimely death is a profound loss to the voice acting community and beyond. His contributions to representation, his dedication to his craft, and his advocacy for marginalized communities will not be forgotten. As investigations continue, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity, respect, and justice in all facets of society.
