Jonathan Joss, the beloved voice behind John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed outside his San Antonio home on June 1, 2025. He was 59 years old.
The Incident
On the day of the incident, Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, were visiting their former residence, which had been destroyed in a fire earlier this year. While checking their mail, they were confronted by their neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja. According to de Gonzales, Ceja directed homophobic slurs at the couple before opening fire. Joss was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving attempts by authorities and paramedics .
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The couple had reportedly faced ongoing harassment and threats from Ceja over their relationship. Earlier this year, their home was destroyed in a fire, which they believed was a result of these threats. Despite these claims, local police have stated that their investigation has found no evidence linking the murder to the couple’s sexual orientation but have promised to revisit the case if new information arises.
Top 20 Beautiful Actresses in the World
A Celebrated Career
Jonathan Joss, of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, was known for his authentic portrayal of Native American characters. He voiced John Redcorn from seasons 2 to 13 of King of the Hill and was set to reprise his role in the upcoming revival of the series on Hulu. Joss also appeared in other television shows, including Parks and Recreation, Tulsa King, and Ray Donovan.
Community Support
Following the fire that destroyed their home, fans rallied to support Joss and his husband through a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $10,000 to help them rebuild their lives.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss’s contributions to television and his advocacy for Native American representation have left a lasting impact. His untimely death is a significant loss to the entertainment community and his fans worldwide.
Canada’s 20 Most Popular Celebrities in 2025
A Voice That Inspired Generations
Jonathan Joss was more than just a voice actor—he was a trailblazer for Native American representation in media. His portrayal of John Redcorn on King of the Hill was one of the few consistent Native American roles on mainstream television during its time. Joss brought authenticity, depth, and respect to his characters, something he was deeply passionate about throughout his career.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Joss studied at Our Lady of the Lake University before pursuing acting. His voice, calm yet powerful, became iconic for fans of the long-running animated sitcom. Beyond King of the Hill, he lent his talent to shows like Walker, Texas Ranger, True Grit, and the remake of The Magnificent Seven.
Those who worked with him remember him as kind, humble, and dedicated to his craft. His legacy lives on not just in his performances but in the barriers he broke for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.
Fans and colleagues alike are calling for a tribute in the upcoming King of the Hill revival to honor his memory. His presence will surely be missed, but the stories he told and the characters he brought to life will never be forgotten.