Jonathan Joss – ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘Parks & Recreation’ Star – D!es at 59 After Tragic Sho0ting
The world of American television and fans around the globe were stunned this week by the heartbreaking news: Jonathan Joss, the Native American actor best known as Ken Hotate on “Parks & Recreation” and as the iconic voice of John Redcorn on the animated classic “King of the Hill,” has died at the age of 59 following a shooting in San Antonio, Texas.
A Real-Life Tragedy: The Fatal Sho0ting
According to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), officers were dispatched Sunday afternoon to Dorsey Drive in San Antonio after reports of an active shooting. Upon arrival, they found Jonathan Joss near the roadside and immediately attempted life-saving measures. Sadly, all efforts failed—Jonathan Joss was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Police reported that a suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of murder, and the investigation is ongoing. Notably, SAPD stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest Joss’s killing was related to his sexual orientation—a detail that drew particular public attention.
His Final Moments: A Husband’s Heartbreaking Account
Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Jonathan Joss’s husband, confirmed the devastating news to the Associated Press. In a moving statement, de Gonzales shared that the couple had simply been checking their mail at Joss’s home—a house that had suffered fire damage in January, which also claimed the lives of their three beloved dogs—when a stranger approached them, pulled a gun, and threatened them.
“Jonathan and I were unarmed. We weren’t threatening anyone. We were grieving, just standing together. When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” de Gonzales recounted, voice breaking.
An Icon of Native American Representation
Born in 1965, Jonathan Joss was a proud Native American who became a symbol for his community on screen. He was widely recognized for his role as Ken Hotate—the witty, sharp, and dignified tribal elder of the Wamapoke in “Parks & Recreation.” But Joss’s most enduring legacy was as the voice of John Redcorn, the enigmatic and charismatic “native healer” in all 13 seasons of “King of the Hill.”
Joss took over the role of John Redcorn in the show’s second season, following the tragic death of original voice actor Victor Aaron in a car accident in 1996. Joss’s warm, resonant, and subtly humorous voice made John Redcorn one of the show’s most beloved characters, offering an authentic and modern representation of Native Americans in pop culture.
A Bittersweet Return: His Final Project
This year, “King of the Hill” was revived by Hulu, with a new season scheduled to premiere on August 4. Jonathan Joss had confirmed his return as the voice of John Redcorn, much to the joy of longtime fans. Just days before his death, Joss appeared in good spirits at a “King of the Hill” panel at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas—the last public glimpse fans would have of him.
A Lasting Legacy
Jonathan Joss’s sudden passing leaves a profound void not only for his family and friends but also for the artistic community and fans worldwide. He was not only a talented actor, but also a powerful, authentic voice for Native American representation in American entertainment. His roles—especially John Redcorn—will live on in the hearts of viewers everywhere, as symbols of resilience, humor, and compassion.
Farewell, Jonathan Joss—a storyteller who brought Native American narratives to the screen and inspired generations of artists to come.
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