Jonathan Joss: The Tragic End of a Beloved Voice Behind ‘King of the Hill’

The recent passing of Jonathan Joss, the voice behind John Redcorn on the iconic animated series King of the Hill, has left fans in shock and sorrow. The 59-year-old actor, revered for his authentic portrayal of Native American characters, was tragically shot and killed outside his San Antonio, Texas home on the night of Sunday, June 1, 2025. His untimely death has ignited conversations about violence, representation, and the lasting impact of cultural icons.

Jonathan Joss and the Legacy of John Redcorn

Jonathan Joss rose to fame through his unforgettable role as John Redcorn in the acclaimed animated sitcom King of the Hill, which aired from 1997 to 2009. He took over the role in the show’s second season, following the death of original voice actor Victor Aaron. Joss’s voice brought depth, charm, and cultural resonance to John Redcorn, a character who often represented the misunderstood and marginalized perspectives of Native Americans.

More than just a voice actor, Joss was a cultural ambassador. A man of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, he took immense pride in portraying indigenous characters with dignity and authenticity. Beyond King of the Hill, Joss captivated audiences with his role as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, and appeared in live-action roles in films like True Grit, Ray Donovan, and The Magnificent Seven.

The Shocking Tragedy and Suspect’s Confession

The incident unfolded on the south side of San Antonio, with officers responding to a 7 p.m. shooting call. Upon arrival, police found Joss near the roadway and performed life-saving measures until EMS pronounced him dead. According to the police report, Joss’s neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, was arrested one block away after allegedly fleeing the scene. Notably, Alvarez reportedly admitted to the crime, stating, “I shot him.”

Alvarez, now released on a $200,000 bond, is under house arrest. He is subject to random drug testing, prohibited from possessing firearms, and barred from contacting Joss’s family. His court hearing is scheduled for August 19. While authorities have not officially categorized the killing as a hate crime, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has stated the shooting was fueled by homophobia. In a moving Facebook post, he shared that Alvarez had yelled violent slurs before firing the fatal shots.

The San Antonio Police Department has since stated that there is no evidence supporting claims that Joss’s murder was motivated by his sexual orientation. Regardless, the incident has reignited discussions around hate-driven violence, especially against LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color.

A Life Marked by Resilience and Artistry

Earlier this year, Joss experienced another devastating personal loss when a fire destroyed his childhood home and took the lives of his two dogs. In a heartfelt interview, he expressed sorrow over losing the home his father built in 1957 but emphasized his grief for his beloved pets.

Despite these hardships, Joss remained active in the entertainment community. Just two days before his death, he participated in a King of the Hill cast panel at the ATX TV Festival in Austin. Although he wasn’t involved in the show’s upcoming 14th season revival on Hulu, his presence at the panel was warmly received by fans and peers alike.

Remembering a Cultural Trailblazer

Jonathan Joss’s contributions to television and film extended far beyond entertainment. For many Native American viewers, his portrayal of John Redcorn was the only meaningful representation they saw growing up. One fan expressed on social media that Joss delivered “the pitch-perfect rezzy uncle performance,” making him one of the most beloved and respected Native actors in animated history.

His passing has prompted tributes from across the globe. Fans have shared clips, interviews, and personal anecdotes to honor his legacy. Cultural organizations have also spotlighted his work as essential to increasing indigenous representation in Hollywood.

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The Broader Cultural Impact

Joss’s death is not just a loss to his family and fans—it symbolizes the loss of a unique and powerful voice in entertainment. In a world still grappling with meaningful representation, Joss was a rare figure who used his platform to uplift Native stories, humanize marginalized communities, and entertain millions with his talent.

As legal proceedings move forward and the industry mourns his absence, one thing remains clear: the mark Jonathan Joss left on television and culture will endure. His work continues to inspire a generation of voice actors, Native performers, and fans worldwide.

Jonathan Joss will always be remembered not only for his iconic voice but for his deep commitment to authenticity and storytelling. His legacy, like his voice, resonates—powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

FAQs About Jonathan Joss

Who was Jonathan Joss?

Jonathan Joss was a Native American actor best known for voicing John Redcorn in the animated TV series King of the Hill. He also had roles in Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, and True Grit.

How did Jonathan Joss die?

He was tragically shot and killed outside his home in San Antonio, Texas on June 1, 2025. His neighbor, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Was Jonathan Joss’s murder a hate crime?

While his husband alleges the murder was fueled by homophobia, the San Antonio Police have stated there’s no official evidence to confirm this claim at this time.

What was Joss’s cultural background?

Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache heritage. He used his heritage to influence his roles and advocate for Native American representation in media.

What roles did Jonathan Joss play aside from John Redcorn?

Besides King of the Hill, he was known for playing Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation and had roles in several Hollywood films, including True Grit and The Magnificent Seven.

Was he involved in the King of the Hill revival?

No, Jonathan Joss was not invited to join the revival of King of the Hill set to premiere on Hulu, although he did attend a fan panel shortly before his death.