Introduction: A Voice Silenced Too Soon
On June 1, 2025 the entertainment world was struck by a devastating loss when Jonathan Joss. The talented voice actor behind the iconic John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. It was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas. The 59-year-old actor whose legal name was Jonathan Joss Gonzales was killed in what his husband. Tristan Kern de Gonzales, described as a homophobic hate crime. This tragedy has left fans, colleagues, and loved ones mourning the loss of a gifted performer whose work brought joy and depth to countless viewers. This blog post delves into Joss’s illustrious career, the heartbreaking details of the San Antonio shooting, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Who Was Jonathan Joss?
Jonathan Joss, often credited as Jonathon Joss or Johnathon Joss, was a multifaceted actor, voice artist, and musician born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas. Of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, Joss brought authenticity and nuance to his roles, particularly in portraying Native American characters. His most famous role was as John Redcorn, the charismatic Native American masseur and New Age healer in King of the Hill, a role he voiced from seasons 2 through 13 and had recently recorded for the upcoming Hulu revival set to premiere in August 2025.
Joss’s career spanned over three decades, encompassing television, film, voice acting, and music. Beyond King of the Hill, he gained recognition for his recurring role as Ken Hotate, the wise and witty Wamapoke tribal leader in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, where he shared scenes with stars like Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. His work extended to shows like Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, and Walker, Texas Ranger, as well as films such as True Grit and the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. Joss was also a musician, performing with The Red Corn Band, a nod to his beloved King of the Hill character.
The Iconic Role of John Redcorn
Introduced in the Fox animated series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, Redcorn is a complex figure—a Native American healer with a mysterious past, a romantic entanglement with Nancy Gribble, and a deep connection to his heritage. Joss took over the role in season 2 after the original voice actor, Victor Aaron, passed away in a car accident in 1996. His portrayal added layers to Redcorn, balancing humor with cultural sensitivity and emotional depth.
Fans cherished Redcorn for his deadpan humor and iconic moments, such as driving his tan Jeep or offering sage advice to the residents of Arlen. In a recent Instagram video posted on June 1, 2025, Joss expressed excitement about the revival, noting he had already recorded lines for four episodes. “The fans get to revisit King of the Hill again.
The San Antonio Shooting: A Tragic End
On the evening of June 1 2025, tragedy struck when Jonathan Joss was fatally shot outside his San Antonio home. According to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), officers responded to a shooting in progress around 7 p.m. on Dorsey Drive, finding Joss near the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite attempts at life-saving measures he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja a neighbor was apprehended a block away and charged with murder, with a bond set at $200,000.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, provided a harrowing account of the incident in a Facebook post. He alleged that the shooting was a hate crime motivated by homophobia, stemming from ongoing harassment the couple faced due to their relationship. Joss and de Gonzales, who married on Valentine’s Day 2025, had returned to the site of their former home, which had burned down in January 2025, killing three of their dogs. While checking their mail, they discovered the skull and harness of one of their dogs, an act that caused severe emotional distress. As they grieved, a man—later identified as Ceja—approached, yelling homophobic slurs before opening fire. Joss heroically pushed de Gonzales out of the way, saving his life but sacrificing his own.
“Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving,” de Gonzales wrote. “When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life. Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get.” The SAPD, however, stated that their investigation found no evidence to classify the shooting as a hate crime related to Joss’s sexual orientation, though they emphasized that new evidence could lead to additional charges.[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna210437)
A History of Conflict and Loss
The shooting was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a series of troubling events. Neighbors reported a longstanding feud between Joss and Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, with frequent arguments, some involving weapons. Police records indicate multiple calls to the area over the past 16 months, including two reports of shots fired at Joss’s residence in May 2024 and a disturbance involving a neighbor in December 2024. Ceja’s address was linked to 50 calls for disturbances, noise complaints, and mental health issues, suggesting a volatile environment.[](https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/king-of-the-hill-parks-and-rec-voice-actor-gunned-down-on-south-side-police-say)
The January 2025 fire that destroyed Joss’s childhood home, built by his father in 1957, added to his hardships. The blaze claimed the lives of three dogs and left Joss without a permanent residence. A GoFundMe page established to support him highlighted the emotional toll, noting the home’s sentimental value and the loss of his beloved pets. Joss spoke to local news outlet KSAT about the tragedy, saying, “I’m more concerned about my dog that died, but you know what? The good Lord will protect us.” Despite these challenges, Joss remained active in his career, attending the ATX Television Festival in Austin on May 31, 2025, to discuss the King of the Hill revival.[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jonathan-joss-dead-king-of-the-hill-actor-murdered-1236235169/)
Joss’s Career Beyond John Redcorn
While John Redcorn was his signature role, Jonathan Joss showcased his versatility across various mediums. In Parks and Recreation, he portrayed Ken Hotate, a character who used wit and wisdom to navigate the comedic bureaucracy of Pawnee, Indiana. His chemistry with Nick Offerman’s Ron Swanson was a highlight for fans. Joss appeared in five episodes, cementing his status as a memorable supporting player.[](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-06-02/jonathan-joss-dead-king-of-the-hill-shooting)
His television credits also include roles in Walker, Texas Ranger, ER, Charmed, Friday Night Lights, and Ray Donovan. In film, he starred in the Coen Brothers’ True Grit, Antoine Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven, and The Forever Purge. Joss’s voice acting extended to video games like Red Dead Redemption, The Walking Dead: Michonne, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. His musical endeavors with The Red Corn Band further showcased his creativity, blending his Native American heritage with his love for performance.[](https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/actor-musician-jonathan-joss-voice-of-king-of-the-hills-john-redcorn-killed-in-san-antonio-shooting/)
The Aftermath and Industry Response
The news of the King of the Hill actor killed sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. King of the Hill producers Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson issued a joint statement: “Jonathan Joss brought King of the Hill’s John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival. His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.” Fans took to social media to express their grief, with posts on X highlighting the tragedy and de Gonzales’s claim that it was a hate crime.[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jonathan-joss-dead-king-of-the-hill-actor-murdered-1236235169/)
The San Antonio shooting has sparked debates about gun violence, hate crimes, and community safety. While the SAPD maintains that no evidence supports a hate crime classification, de Gonzales’s account and the history of harassment have raised questions about the adequacy of prior police responses. This tragedy underscores the need for better protections against targeted violence and support for marginalized communities.[](https://variety.com/2025/tv/obituaries-people-news/jonathan-joss-dead-king-of-the-hill-shooting-1236415703/)
Jonathan Joss’s Legacy
Joss Jonathan leaves behind a legacy of talent, resilience, and love. His contributions to King of the Hill, Parks and Recreation, and beyond touched millions, bringing laughter and insight through his performances. His husband’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Joss’s deep connection with fans, whom he considered family. “To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply,” de Gonzales wrote. “He saw you as family.”
His recorded lines will serve as a bittersweet reminder of his talent, ensuring that John Redcorn’s voice endures. The entertainment community and fans alike will continue to honor his memory, celebrating a man who brought joy even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Jonathan Joss, the John Redcorn voice actor, marks a profound loss for the entertainment world. His contributions to King of the Hill, Parks and Recreation, and other projects showcased his versatility and heart. The circumstances of his death, as described by Tristan Kern de Gonzales, highlight the urgent need to address hate-driven violence. As we remember Joss, we celebrate his legacy and the love he shared with his husband, fans, and community.
FAQs
Who was Jonathan Joss?
Jonathan Joss was an actor and voice artist best known for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill and playing Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. He was killed in a shooting in San Antonio on June 1, 2025.
What happened in the San Antonio shooting involving Jonathan Joss?
Joss was fatally shot by his neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, on June 1, 2025, after an altercation. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, alleged it was a homophobic hate crime, though police have not classified it as such.[](https://www.fox7austin.com/news/king-of-the-hill-john-redcorn-dead-jonathan-joss-san-antonio)
Was the shooting of Jonathan Joss a hate crime?
Tristan Kern de Gonzales claimed the shooting was motivated by homophobia, citing prior harassment. The SAPD stated there is no evidence to support a hate crime classification but noted the investigation is ongoing.[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna210437)
What roles did Jonathan Joss play?
Joss voiced John Redcorn in King of the Hill and played Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. He also appeared in Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven.
What is the status of the King of the Hill revival?
The King of the Hill revival is set to premiere on Hulu in August 2025. Joss had recorded lines for the series before his death.[](https://variety.com/2025/tv/obituaries-people-news/jonathan-joss-dead-king-of-the-hill-shooting-1236415703/)
Reference:
Variety: Jonathan Joss, ‘King of the Hill’ Actor Who Voiced John Redcorn, Dies in Shooting at 59
NBC News: Jonathan Joss, ‘King of the Hill’ voice actor, killed in San Antonio shooting
The New York Times: Jonathan Joss, ‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor, Is Fatally Shot by Neighbor
The Guardian: King of the Hill actor Jonathan Joss killed in shooting aged 59
The Hollywood Reporter: Jonathan Joss, King of the Hill Voice Actor, Dies After Shooting
