The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jonathan Joss, the voice behind the iconic character John Redcorn in the long-running animated series King of the Hill. Joss tragically died in a shooting incident on Saturday evening in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59 years old.

According to police reports confirmed by Variety, San Antonio officers were dispatched to the scene of a shooting around 7 p.m. on Sunday night. They discovered Joss near the road with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers attempted to perform life-saving measures until medics arrived, but sadly, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooter, who fled in a vehicle, was detained just a block away and has since been booked for murder. While the investigation remains ongoing, early reports from TMZ suggest that the shooting stemmed from a dispute with a neighbor.

The Voice Behind a Fan-Favorite Character

Jonathan Joss became a beloved voice actor through his portrayal of John Redcorn, the soft-spoken Native American healer in King of the Hill. He joined the series in its second season, following the untimely death of original voice actor Victor Aaron in 1996.

Joss voiced the character until the show ended in 2009, and fans were thrilled to learn that he had already completed recording new lines for the upcoming revival of the show, set to premiere on Hulu on August 4. His return was highly anticipated, and his performance was expected to bring fresh energy while honoring the character’s legacy.

More Than a Voice Actor

While many knew Joss for his voice work, his talent extended far beyond animation. He had a recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, where he brought cultural authenticity and comic timing to his scenes.

Joss also appeared in a wide range of films and TV shows including:

  • Tulsa King

  • Ray Donovan

  • True Grit (2010)

  • The Magnificent Seven (2016)

As a Native American actor of Comanche descent, Joss was also a vocal advocate for accurate Indigenous representation in Hollywood. His performances often emphasized dignity and depth, helping to break stereotypes and bring nuance to Native characters.

A Life Cut Short, A Legacy That Lives On

The sudden and violent nature of Joss’s death has shocked fans, colleagues, and the broader entertainment industry. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and celebrate his contributions to both television and film.

Tributes have poured in, with fans remembering him not only for his performances but for his warmth, sense of humor, and quiet influence in pushing for more authentic Native representation in media.

His work on the King of the Hill revival will now serve as a poignant and final reminder of his talent.

King of the Hill Revival: Now Bittersweet

The upcoming King of the Hill revival, set for release on Hulu this August, was already generating excitement among longtime fans of the series. Now, with the knowledge that Joss had already completed his work on the new season, the episodes will carry a deeper emotional weight.

Creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, along with the rest of the team, have yet to release a public statement, but fans can expect some kind of tribute or dedication in the show when it airs.

Joss’s portrayal of John Redcorn was not just comedic relief—it was thoughtful, often touching, and filled with empathy. His absence will be deeply felt.

Final Thoughts

Jonathan Joss was more than just a voice actor. He was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a steady presence in every role he took on. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss to the world of entertainment, especially to those who valued his work in elevating Native American voices and stories.

As fans revisit old episodes of King of the Hill or look forward to the new season, they’ll undoubtedly do so with a mixture of joy and sorrow. But one thing is certain: Jonathan Joss’s legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life and the lives he touched through his art.