Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed actor and musician best known as the voice of John Redcorn on “King of the Hill,” was fatally shot at age 59 in San Antonio on June. Police say the incident stemmed from a dispute with a neighbor, who has since been charged with murder.
Joss, of Apache and Comanche descent, brought John Redcorn—a Native American healer and one of the show’s most memorable characters—to life from season through the series finale, and had already recorded lines for the upcoming Hulu revival He also played Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation” and appeared in “Ray Donovan,” “Tulsa King,” and “The Magnificent Seven”.
The shooting occurred around p.m. near Joss’s home. Officers found him lying near the roadway; despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, was apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene.
Joss’s death has left a void in the animation and Native American acting communities. He was set to return as John Redcorn in the “King of the Hill” reboot, premiering this August The show’s creators posted a tribute, but some fans have questioned its sincerity, citing reports of alleged mistreatment in the days before his death.
Beyond his iconic roles, Joss was a musician and entrepreneur, performing with The Red Corn Band and launching a line of spice rubs inspired by his heritage His legacy endures through his performances and the cultural impact of characters like John Redcorn and Chief Ken Hotate, who brought authentic Native American representation to mainstream television.
