King of the Hill actor Jonathan Joss fatally shot in Texas after argument with neighbor

Authored by the-independent.com and submitted by boxofstuff
image for King of the Hill actor Jonathan Joss fatally shot in Texas after argument with neighbor

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King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss has died aged 59 after a shooting in Texas, police have confirmed.

Joss was the voice of John Redcorn for seasons two through 13 of the popular animated series. He had reportedly recorded bits for the show’s reboot, which recently began production for Hulu and is slated to premiere in August.

The actor was reportedly shot multiple times over the weekend after a disagreement with a neighbor, according to TMZ. San Antonio police responded to a home after reports of shots fired and found Joss near the road with gunshot wounds, according to Variety.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police found the shooter — whose name has not yet been released — after he fled the scene and have charged him with murder, Variety reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Joss — whose other credits included the recurring role of Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, as well as Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven — took over the King of the Hill role of John Redcorn from Victor Aaron, who died in a 1996 car accident.

open image in gallery Jonathan Joss has died in a Texas shooting ( Facebook )

Just hours before his death, Joss was in Austin, Texas, bringing The Redcorn Experience to fans. Saturday evening’s event included live music, a Q&A session, and a meet and greet with Joss, according to Facebook.

“We’re bringing stories, laughs, music, and that unmistakable Redcorn energy to the heart of Texas for one unforgettable night. Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious what the spirit of Redcorn is all about — this is for you,” Joss wrote of the event in a May 25 Facebook post.

Joss then posted on his Facebook that he and his husband were seeking a ride back to San Antonio after the event.

“Last night’s gig was amazing — huge thanks to everyone who came out and showed us love! We’re feeling so grateful for the support and good vibes. Now we’re looking for a ride from Austin to San Antonio — if anyone’s heading that way soon and has room for a couple of performers and our gear, hit us up! Thanks again, y’all. We couldn’t do this without you!” the post read.

Joss’s final Facebook post read: “Our ride will arrive in a few hours thank you everyone we are grabbing some food and feeling thankful for the support.”

Hours later, the dispute occurred, leading to his death.

open image in gallery Joss played John Redcorn (center) on ‘King of the Hill’ ( Fox )

The actor suffered a devastating loss earlier this year when his San Antonio home burned down in a fire. According to a GoFundMe started on his behalf, Joss lost his childhood home and possessions, as well as three beloved dogs.

“This wasn't just any home - it was the house his father built for his mother in 1957, filled with a lifetime of memories,” the GoFundMe description read in part.

Fans have been devastated by news of Joss’s passing.

“They took my brother away from me man…Jonathan Joss aka John Redcorn….i love you brother until i see you again,” one fan wrote on X.

“John Redcorn was pretty much the only contemporary Native representation I had in comedy growing up. Probably the funniest Native character in cartoon history and a lot of that was on Jonathan Joss' pitch perfect rezzy uncle performance. RIP to one of the best to ever do it,” another fan wrote.

“Jonathan Joss... unfathomably sad. Sending all my thoughts to his loved ones,” someone else said.

“RIP Jonathan Joss. You brought us so much joy for your roles. I hope he can finally be at peace,” another chimed in.

Joss leaves behind his husband, Tristan.

trangodly on June 2nd, 2025 at 20:01 UTC »

As per his husband on facebook:

Statement from Tristan Kern de Gonzales

Husband of Jonathan Joss

My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home. That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done.

Throughout that time we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship. Much of the harassment was openly homophobic.

When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress. We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw.

While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired.

Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. 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. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentines Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future.

He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other.

I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved.

To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family.

My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together.

If your concern is how someone coped with trauma or how loudly they speak when recounting injustice and being ignored by authorities then you never truly cared about my husband.

Jonathan saved my life. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.

- Tristan Kern de Gonzales

Don't know the guy, hadn't heard of him till this post but this is fucking tragic. Be better, people.

Greekphysed on June 2nd, 2025 at 16:30 UTC »

That's just horrible. He was also amazing in Parks and Rec

Egalitarian_Wish on June 2nd, 2025 at 16:28 UTC »

Dude was gunned down by his neighbor who sped off in a car shortly after the shooting and was apprehended a few blocks away.