Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn, Dies in Tragic Shooting at 59

Fans of King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation are grieving the sudden loss of actor Jonathan Joss. Known for voicing the iconic character John Redcorn from 1997 to 2009, Joss was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59 years old. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, described the incident as a homophobic hate crime, although local authorities say no evidence currently supports that claim.

A Voice That Defined a Generation

For over a decade, Joss gave life to John Redcorn, a Native American character on King of the Hill, blending humor and quiet strength into a fan-favorite role. He later appeared as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, where he was known for his dry wit and commanding presence. These performances cemented his legacy as a talented and beloved performer, especially in shows that highlighted underrepresented characters.

Joss’s voice was instantly recognizable and became a major part of why John Redcorn stood out among the show’s many quirky characters. He helped shape a complex figure who could make people laugh, think, and reflect on identity all at once.

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A Return That Ended in Heartbreak

Jonathan and his husband had recently returned to visit the site of their old home, which tragically burned down in January. According to Gonzales, the fire came after two years of threats from locals who repeatedly told them it would be set ablaze. The couple had moved away but came back to check their mail. What they found there would be the beginning of a nightmare.

As they approached the burned site, they found the skull and harness of one of their dogs laid out in clear view. The painful discovery left them in shock and deep distress. They began to cry and grieve loudly.

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That’s when a man approached them. Gonzales recalled that the man began yelling homophobic slurs and then suddenly raised a gun. Without warning, he fired. Jonathan, standing side by side with his husband, pushed Gonzales out of harm’s way. That act of love and courage cost him his life.

Investigations Still Underway

The man accused of the shooting, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested and charged with murder. Despite emotional accounts from Gonzales, San Antonio police said they currently have no evidence that the crime was motivated by hate.

Their official statement noted that any new evidence would be handled seriously and that charges would be updated if necessary. For now, the community is left wondering whether justice will fully reflect what many believe was a crime rooted in bigotry.

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A Marriage Cut Short

Jonathan and Tristan had only recently married on Valentine’s Day. They were looking for a trailer, hoping to rebuild their lives after the devastating house fire. Gonzales shared that Joss gave him more love in their time together than most people experience in a lifetime.

He stayed by Joss’s side as he passed away, whispering words of love. It’s a deeply heartbreaking moment that reflects the bond the two shared and the violence that tore it apart.

Tributes from Co-Stars and Creators

The entertainment world responded with an outpouring of grief. Nick Offerman, Joss’s co-star from Parks and Recreation, said the cast was “heartbroken” and remembered Joss as a sweet soul they all adored.

King of the Hill creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson also paid tribute. They noted that Joss was set to appear in the show’s upcoming revival and that his voice brought depth and humor to John Redcorn’s character for more than a dozen seasons.

A Painful Goodbye After Festival Appearance

Just days before his death, Jonathan Joss was seen in the audience at the King of the Hill panel at the ATX Television Festival. He later posted about his disappointment at not being invited to speak on the panel.

He said that being excluded from something he helped build felt like being shut out of his own home. His words were raw and reflective, a reminder of how much that role and the show meant to him.

Now, with his death, fans will likely view those words as an emotional farewell from a man whose voice helped shape a beloved TV legacy.