Jonathan Joss: King of the Hill’s John Redcorn Actor Shot Dead
Jonathan Joss, a prominent American actor known for his voice work as John Redcorn on the acclaimed animated series King of the Hill, has tragically lost his life in a shooting incident that occurred six days ago. He was 59 years old. Known for his role as Chief Ken Hotate in the popular series Parks and Recreation, Joss’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment community.
The Incident
According to his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the shooting was allegedly motivated by hate. Joss and de Gonzales had returned to the site of their former home, which had been destroyed by a fire earlier this year. During their visit, a man confronted them, shouting violent homophobic slurs before opening fire.
Despite de Gonzales’s accusations, police investigators in Texas stated that their findings thus far do not support claims of a hate crime. They emphasized that no evidence has been discovered linking Joss’s murder to his sexual orientation. Joss was reportedly shot while grieving the recent loss of their pet, which had been found at the site.
Details of the Shooting
De Gonzales recounted that while at the location, they discovered the remains of one of their dogs, which caused them immense emotional distress. As they expressed their grief, a stranger approached and began shouting homophobic remarks before opening fire from a concealed position.
“Jonathan pushed me out of the way when the man fired,” de Gonzales shared. “He saved my life.” Joss’s husband expressed deep gratitude for the love they shared, stating, “He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get.” The couple had recently celebrated their love in a wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day and was in the midst of searching for a new home.
Community Response
In the aftermath of Joss’s untimely death, tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Actor Nick Offerman, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.” The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, also released a statement mourning Joss’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the show.
Table of Major Career Highlights
| Character | Show | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| John Redcorn | King of the Hill | 1997 – 2009 |
| Chief Ken Hotate | Parks and Recreation | Recurring Role |
The Future of King of the Hill
Joss was recently seen at a King of the Hill panel at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, where he expressed his feelings about the character that brought him fame. His role as John Redcorn was integral to the series, which has been slated for a revival with new episodes set to premiere on Hulu starting August 4.
As authorities continue to investigate the shooting, many are left grieving the loss of a talented actor who contributed significantly to animated television.
