• Published: Jun 03 2025 10:02 AM
  • Last Updated: Jun 03 2025 10:44 AM

Jonathan Joss, known as the voice of John Redcorn from King of the Hill, was tragically shot in San Antonio. Here’s what we know about the actor, his legacy, and the heartbreaking events.


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Actor Jonathan Joss Dies in Tragic Shooting

This one hurts. Jonathan Joss, who a lot of people remember as the voice of John Redcorn from King of the Hill, has died. He was 59. From what we know, he was shot outside what used to be his home in San Antonio, Texas.

Apparently, it happened during a heated moment with a neighbor. Things got ugly fast. There was yelling, and then shots were fired. The neighbor’s been arrested and is facing a murder charge now.

It’s heartbreaking. Joss wasn’t just a talented actor — he meant something to a lot of people, especially in Native and LGBTQ+ communities. And what makes this even worse is that he and his husband had reportedly dealt with years of harassment from the same person.

He’d Already Lost So Much Earlier This Year

Before this tragedy, Jonathan had already been through hell. Back in January, his childhood home burned down. This wasn’t just any house — it was the place his father had built in the 1950s. That place held so many memories for him.

Even worse, his three dogs didn’t make it out. He tried to save them, but the fire spread too fast. He believed it might’ve been caused by an old gas heater he used during a cold snap, but honestly, he didn’t seem totally sure what started it.

The fire left him with nothing. No home. No pets. Just a few things he managed to grab before running out. And yet, he still tried to stay hopeful and grateful for the people who helped him get through it.

 

Fans Tried to Help — and He Felt That Love

 

After the fire, fans really showed up for him. There was an outpouring of support, with people donating to help him rebuild his life. You could tell he was overwhelmed by the kindness — he kept saying thank you, even when things were obviously still really hard.

It wasn’t just about the money. It was about people reminding him that he wasn’t alone. That his work, his voice, his presence meant something. That kind of love really matters when you’ve lost everything.

He Was Left Out of the 'King of the Hill' Reunion

This part really stung for him. Even though he was the voice behind one of the show's most iconic characters, Jonathan wasn’t invited to a big King of the Hill reunion event earlier this year. A lot of the old cast was there, and fans noticed his absence right away.

He opened up online about how much that hurt. He said he felt left out — like he was being shut out of something he helped build. And yeah, he had recorded lines for the new revival of the show, so it made even less sense. It felt unfair. Like he deserved better.

He Meant a Lot to So Many

Jonathan wasn’t just another actor. He was proud of his heritage — Comanche and White Mountain Apache — and he brought that pride into everything he did. Whether it was his role as John Redcorn or his work on other shows, he made people feel seen.

He carried himself with humility. He didn’t do it for the spotlight. He did it because he loved telling stories, especially ones that mattered. His passing leaves a hole, not just in entertainment, but in the hearts of those who respected him.

A Reminder of What Still Needs to Change

This wasn’t just a tragic accident. His husband said they had been targeted for years because of who they were. And that’s not okay. No one should have to live in fear just because of who they love.

Jonathan's death is a painful reminder that hate still exists — and that we all have work to do. It’s not just about remembering him. It’s about making sure this kind of thing stops happening.

He deserved peace. He deserved safety. And he definitely deserved to feel the love that so many people had for him — not just after he was gone, but while he was still here.

FAQ

Jonathan Joss was an actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series "King of the Hill" and playing Chief Ken Hotate on "Parks and Recreation." He was also recognized for his Native American heritage and advocacy.

He was fatally shot outside his former home in San Antonio, Texas, during an altercation with a neighbor. The suspect has been arrested and is facing a murder charge.

Jonathan’s husband stated that the couple had faced years of harassment related to their relationship. The suspect reportedly used homophobic slurs during the incident, raising concerns that the shooting may have been motivated by hate.

In January, his childhood home burned down in a fire. He lost almost everything in that tragedy, including his three dogs. He had been trying to recover from that loss when the shooting occurred months later.

Yes, Jonathan had recorded lines for the upcoming reboot of "King of the Hill." However, he was not invited to a recent reunion panel, which he said left him feeling excluded and hurt.

Fans rallied around him after the fire, raising money through donations and showing support online. It meant a lot to him during a very difficult time in his life.

He left behind a legacy of strong representation for Native American characters in television and film. He was also known for his kindness, humility, and pride in his heritage. His sudden and tragic death has left many mourning his loss.

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