Jonathan Joss, best known for his role voicing John Redcorn on the hit television series King of the Hill, has died at the age of 59. According to reports, the actor was shot and killed near his home in San Antonio, Texas. Variety reports that San Antonio police officers were called to the scene on Sunday, Jun. 1, 2025, at 7 p.m., where Joss had been shot multiple times. The officers attempted life-saving measures until the medics arrived, but Joss was pronounced dead at the scene with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, by his side. Joss’ shooter fled but was detained a block away and booked for murder. The investigation is ongoing.
Tristan Kern de Gonzales took to Facebook to detail how Joss was the victim of a hate crime. Gonzalez says Joss was shot by someone after yelling homophobic slurs at the two of them, raising a gun to both men. Joss’ family home in San Antonio, Texas, had recently burned down in January 2025, killing his two dogs. Gonzalez states that the house burned down following threats by others to burn down their home. While the police at this moment have not commented on any specific motive for the shooting, Transtan Kern de Gonzales’ statements suggest Joss was the victim of multiple hate crimes because of his sexuality. Tristan Kern de Gonzales’ statement reads:
“My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home. That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done.
Throughout that time we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship. Much of the harassment was openly homophobic. When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress. We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw. While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired. Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.
Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentine’s Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future. He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other. I was with him when he passed. I hold him how much he was loved.
To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family. My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together.”
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Jonathan Joss Life and Career
NBC television
Jonathan Joss was born on Dec. 22, 1965. He was of Apache and Comanche descent and starred in a number of roles, having worked for over three decades as an actor. He is best known for voicing the role of John Redcorn on the hit series King of the Hill, taking over for original voice actor Victor Aaron, who passed away after voicing the character in two episodes. Joss also appeared in series like Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, and recently, Tulsa King.
Joss is set to reprise his role as John Redcorn in the upcoming King of the Hill Season 14 revival that will debut on Hulu on Aug. 4, 2025, and will be one of his final posthumous roles. Variety reports that Joss was seen at the King of the Hill reunion panel two days before his death at the ATX Television Festival in Austin. However, Joss mentioned on his Facebook that he was not invited to speak as part of the panel. Midway through the panel, Joss approached an audience microphone unannounced and mentioned deceased cast member John Hardwick as series creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels were talking about actors passing. Joss expressed his displeasure at not being invited with the rest of the cast and crew onstage. Before returning to his seat, Joss informed the crowd that he had recently lost his home in a fire.
Joss is survived by his husband, his friends, and his family. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and was an underrated actor who, sadly, was never shown the recognition he deserved and was killed for choosing to live as his true, authentic self.
Source: Variety
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