The world of television has lost a powerful voice. Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was fatally shot in San Antonio on June 1, 2025. The news has stunned fans of the beloved animated series, as well as those who remember Joss’s impactful roles in shows like Parks and Recreation.
Jonathan Joss, sometimes spelled as Jonathon Joss or Johnathon Joss, was at his San Antonio home with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, when the fatal shooting occurred. The couple had just discovered the remains of their dog, lost in a fire earlier this year. Their grief was interrupted by a violent confrontation with a neighbor.
According to police, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a local resident, approached them using homophobic slurs. The verbal altercation escalated quickly. In a shocking turn of events, the King of the Hill actor was shot while shielding his partner. Jonathan Joss died on the scene.
To millions, Jonathan Joss was John Redcorn, the stoic and soulful Native American healer on King of the Hill. His voice brought the character to life for over a decade. He gave dignity and presence to a role that often carried hidden depth beneath the humor. Many fans credit him for making John Redcorn one of the most memorable characters on the show.
Joss also played Ken Hotate in Parks and Rec, a recurring character known for his dry wit and sharp insight. His appearances alongside actors like Nick Offerman further cemented his reputation as a versatile and impactful actor.
Details surrounding the shooting have shocked fans and fueled outrage. Witnesses say Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja became aggressive after overhearing a private conversation. The suspect allegedly used hate speech and then drew a weapon. Joss, known not only as John Redcorn actor but as a devoted partner, stepped in front of his husband to protect him.
Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss’s husband, later confirmed the heartbreaking story on social media. He described Joss as “a warrior, a protector, and a man who loved without fear.”
Online tributes from fans and celebrities flooded in. Social media platforms saw hashtags like #JusticeForJonathan, #KingOfTheHill, and #JohnRedcorn trending. Many fans were just discovering that the same man behind John Redcorn was also the charismatic Ken Hotate on Parks and Rec.
Some messages mistakenly used name variations like Joss Jonathan or Jonathon Joss, but the sentiment remained unified—shock, sorrow, and gratitude for his work. Others searched phrases like "actor shot in San Antonio", or “King of the Hill actor killed,” trying to learn more about the tragedy.
Johnathan Joss, often miscredited in various spellings, was more than just a voice. He was a proud Native American actor who gave visibility to underrepresented communities. He used his platform to speak on issues related to identity, culture, and LGBTQ+ rights.
His roles, including John Redcorn and Ken Hotate, broke barriers. They weren’t just token characters—they were complex, layered, and carried meaning for viewers who rarely saw themselves reflected on screen.
The San Antonio shooting that claimed the life of King of the Hill’s John Redcorn voice actor has raised broader questions. Activists and advocates are calling for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ and indigenous individuals.
Police confirmed that Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja is in custody. He faces murder charges and may be investigated under hate crime laws due to the nature of the slurs and the relationship between the victim and his spouse.
News of the Parks and Rec actor shot in his own neighborhood has drawn emotional responses from the Hollywood community. Nick Offerman, who shared screen time with Joss in Parks and Recreation, posted a heartfelt message: “Jonathan was a friend and a powerful voice. I’m heartbroken.”
The shockwave from this loss reminds us all of the deep connections fans form with characters—and the actors who give them life.
The tragic death of Jonathan Joss, known to many as John Redcorn and Ken Hotate, has left a void. As the investigation into the San Antonio shooting continues, so does the outpouring of grief, support, and reflection.
His final podcast appearance, recorded just days before his death, now serves as a moving farewell. In it, he spoke about legacy, representation, and love. That legacy will live on.
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