Entertainment

Tributes Pour In for Jonathan Joss: The Beloved Voice of John Redcorn in 'King of the Hill' Tragically Killed at 59

2025-06-02

Author: Ken Lee

In a devastating turn of events, Jonathan Joss, the talented actor renowned for voicing John Redcorn on the iconic animated series "King of the Hill," has been fatally shot at the age of 59. San Antonio police confirmed the heart-wrenching news this past Saturday.

It was a chaotic scene on Sunday evening when officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence around 7:00 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Joss lying by the roadside, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate attempts to save his life by officers on the scene, he was pronounced dead before help could arrive. The suspect, who allegedly shot Joss during a dispute, fled but was apprehended a block away. Charges of murder are currently being pursued as the investigation unfolds.

Joss had voiced John Redcorn from seasons 2 through 13 of "King of the Hill," a role that he took over after the original actor, Victor Aaron, passed away in 1996. Created by the talented duo Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, the series first aired in 1997 and delighted audiences for over a decade, wrapping up in 2009 with more than 250 episodes under its belt. Excitement swirled recently when it was announced that a revival is set to launch on Hulu on August 4—news that Joss had already recorded lines for.

Beyond his beloved role in animation, Joss also made a mark on live-action television, notably featuring as Chief Ken Hotate in the fan-favorite show "Parks and Recreation." His film appearances included notable projects such as "Tulsa King," "Ray Donovan," "True Grit," and "The Magnificent Seven," showcasing his versatile talent.

The loss of Jonathan Joss has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with fans mourning the sudden death of a gifted actor whose vibrant characters will forever be cherished. As tributes pour in, many remember Joss not only for his work but for his remarkable contributions to television.