Sudden, striking loss of a star: King of the Hill actor tragically shot down at 59
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The entertainment world is reeling after the tragic and untimely death of Jonathan Joss, the beloved actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on the iconic animated series King of the Hill.
Joss, who was just 59, was shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1. As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a unique talent whose work touched millions.
A Sudden, Heartbreaking Loss
According to San Antonio police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in progress and found Joss near a roadway.
Despite their immediate efforts to save his life, and the arrival of emergency medical services, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have detained 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who has been booked for murder. The investigation is ongoing, and details about the circumstances remain limited.
A Voice That Resonated
For many, Jonathan Joss will always be remembered as the voice behind John Redcorn, the gentle, spiritual healer and musician on King of the Hill.
The show, which ran from 1997 to 2010, became a staple of American television, known for its sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling.
Joss’s portrayal of Redcorn brought depth and humor to a character who, while often the butt of jokes, was also a source of wisdom and cultural pride.
With Hulu’s much-anticipated revival of King of the Hill set for August, Joss’s absence will be deeply felt by fans old and new.
His work helped shape the show’s legacy, and his voice became synonymous with a character who represented Native American identity in a way rarely seen on mainstream TV.
A Career Beyond Arlen, Texas
While King of the Hill was his most famous role, Joss’s career was rich and varied.
He played Ken Hotate, the wry and clever Pawnee tribal leader, on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, sharing scenes with comedy greats like Amy Poehler.
His television credits also include appearances on ER, Charmed, and Friday Night Lights, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Joss’s talents extended to the big screen as well. He appeared in films such as The Forever Purge, the star-studded remake of The Magnificent Seven, and the Coen brothers’ True Grit.
Gamers may also recognize his voice from the blockbuster video game Cyberpunk 2077, where he brought digital characters to life with the same warmth and gravitas that defined his on-screen work.
Source: Jonathan Joss / Facebook.
A Life Marked by Triumph and Tragedy
Behind the scenes, Joss faced personal hardships that would test anyone’s spirit.
In a heartfelt Facebook post this April, he shared his pain at not being invited to a King of the Hill event, writing, “That character, that voice, that story ... they were my home, my pride, my connection to something bigger than myself. To not be invited felt like being shut out of a place I helped build.”
His words resonated with fans who understood how much the show—and his role in it—meant to him.
Also read: "M*A*S*H", "The King and I" legend and actor mentored by Gene Kelly passes away at 82
Joss also revealed that he was enduring “one of the hardest seasons of my life.”
The home he grew up in had recently burned down, taking with it not only his possessions and keepsakes but, most heartbreakingly, his beloved dogs.
“My companions, my family, my comfort in this world lost in the flames,” he wrote. Despite these losses, Joss spoke of rebuilding “piece by piece, soul by soul,” a testament to his resilience and hope.
Source: KENS 5 / Youtube.
A Legacy That Endures
Jonathan Joss’s passing is a profound loss, not just for his family and friends, but for the countless fans who found laughter, comfort, and representation in his work.
His performances brought Native American characters to mainstream audiences with dignity and humor, breaking stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of actors.
Read next: Shocking shootout: What really happened to death metal legend Brian Montana?
As we remember Jonathan Joss, we invite you to share your memories and tributes in the comments below. Did you have a favorite John Redcorn moment? Did his work on Parks and Recreation or in film leave a mark on you? How do you think his legacy will shape the future of television and film?
Let’s celebrate the life and career of a man who gave so much to his craft and to his fans, even in the face of personal adversity. Rest in peace, Jonathan Joss. Your voice will echo for years to come.
Joss, who was just 59, was shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1. As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a unique talent whose work touched millions.
A Sudden, Heartbreaking Loss
According to San Antonio police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in progress and found Joss near a roadway.
Despite their immediate efforts to save his life, and the arrival of emergency medical services, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have detained 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who has been booked for murder. The investigation is ongoing, and details about the circumstances remain limited.
A Voice That Resonated
For many, Jonathan Joss will always be remembered as the voice behind John Redcorn, the gentle, spiritual healer and musician on King of the Hill.
Jonathan Joss, the voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, has died after being shot in Texas at the age of 59. Image source: E! News / Youtube.
The show, which ran from 1997 to 2010, became a staple of American television, known for its sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling.
Joss’s portrayal of Redcorn brought depth and humor to a character who, while often the butt of jokes, was also a source of wisdom and cultural pride.
With Hulu’s much-anticipated revival of King of the Hill set for August, Joss’s absence will be deeply felt by fans old and new.
His work helped shape the show’s legacy, and his voice became synonymous with a character who represented Native American identity in a way rarely seen on mainstream TV.
A Career Beyond Arlen, Texas
While King of the Hill was his most famous role, Joss’s career was rich and varied.
He played Ken Hotate, the wry and clever Pawnee tribal leader, on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, sharing scenes with comedy greats like Amy Poehler.
His television credits also include appearances on ER, Charmed, and Friday Night Lights, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Joss’s talents extended to the big screen as well. He appeared in films such as The Forever Purge, the star-studded remake of The Magnificent Seven, and the Coen brothers’ True Grit.
A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder, with police investigations still ongoing. Image source: E! News / Youtube.
Gamers may also recognize his voice from the blockbuster video game Cyberpunk 2077, where he brought digital characters to life with the same warmth and gravitas that defined his on-screen work.
Source: Jonathan Joss / Facebook.
A Life Marked by Triumph and Tragedy
Behind the scenes, Joss faced personal hardships that would test anyone’s spirit.
In a heartfelt Facebook post this April, he shared his pain at not being invited to a King of the Hill event, writing, “That character, that voice, that story ... they were my home, my pride, my connection to something bigger than myself. To not be invited felt like being shut out of a place I helped build.”
His words resonated with fans who understood how much the show—and his role in it—meant to him.
Also read: "M*A*S*H", "The King and I" legend and actor mentored by Gene Kelly passes away at 82
Joss also revealed that he was enduring “one of the hardest seasons of my life.”
The home he grew up in had recently burned down, taking with it not only his possessions and keepsakes but, most heartbreakingly, his beloved dogs.
“My companions, my family, my comfort in this world lost in the flames,” he wrote. Despite these losses, Joss spoke of rebuilding “piece by piece, soul by soul,” a testament to his resilience and hope.
Source: KENS 5 / Youtube.
A Legacy That Endures
Jonathan Joss’s passing is a profound loss, not just for his family and friends, but for the countless fans who found laughter, comfort, and representation in his work.
His performances brought Native American characters to mainstream audiences with dignity and humor, breaking stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of actors.
Read next: Shocking shootout: What really happened to death metal legend Brian Montana?
As we remember Jonathan Joss, we invite you to share your memories and tributes in the comments below. Did you have a favorite John Redcorn moment? Did his work on Parks and Recreation or in film leave a mark on you? How do you think his legacy will shape the future of television and film?
Let’s celebrate the life and career of a man who gave so much to his craft and to his fans, even in the face of personal adversity. Rest in peace, Jonathan Joss. Your voice will echo for years to come.
