Jonathan Joss, the Texas-born actor famous for voicing the Native American character John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed in San Antonio on Sunday night. He was 59 years old.
Who Was Jonathan Joss?
A proud member of the Apache and Comanche tribes, Jonathan Joss grew up in San Antonio and earned a degree in fine arts from Our Lady of the Lake University. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Joss dedicated himself to bringing Native American stories to mainstream film and television.
He became widely known for his role as John Redcorn, the soft-spoken spiritual healer in the beloved animated series King of the Hill. Joss voiced the character in 34 episodes between 1997 and 2009, and he was set to reprise this role in Hulu’s upcoming revival, scheduled for release in August 2025.
The Shooting That Took His Life
San Antonio Police reported that Jonathan Joss was shot by his neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, during a confrontation outside the site where Joss’s longtime home had recently burned down. Despite attempts by officers and paramedics to save him, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared on Facebook that the shooting was a hate crime, describing years of harassment due to their sexuality. He alleged that homophobic slurs were shouted before the shooting. Police have not found evidence of a hate crime but continue to investigate the incident with an open mind toward new information.
A Career Centered on Native Representation
Jonathan Joss’s work went beyond King of the Hill. He appeared in notable TV series such as Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Friday Night Lights, as well as the film True Grit. Throughout these roles, he brought depth and respect to Native characters that are often misrepresented or overlooked in Hollywood.
His role as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation was a rare portrayal that combined satire with dignity, bringing Native identity to the screen with wit and respect.
A Devastating Year Ends in Tragedy
Earlier in 2025, Joss suffered the loss of his home and beloved dog in a fire. In interviews, he spoke openly about the difficulties he faced, including a period of unemployment. A GoFundMe campaign was started by fans to help him recover from the fire’s impact, and donations have been renewed following his death.
Despite his personal struggles, Joss remained a steadfast advocate for Native voices and was excited about introducing John Redcorn to new audiences in the Hulu revival.
Honoring Jonathan Joss’s Legacy
Jonathan Joss was more than an actor—he was a trailblazer who gave voice and dignity to Native characters in entertainment. His portrayal of John Redcorn resonated deeply with viewers who saw in the character a quiet strength and authenticity.
As his family and community mourn, fans across Texas and the nation remember Jonathan Joss for his powerful spirit, his commitment to representation, and his lasting impact on television and culture.