Remembering Jonathan Joss: Beloved ‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Killed in Tragic Hate Crime
Jonathan Joss, the voice behind John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed in San Antonio on Sunday at the age of 59. Best known for his powerful presence in both television and video games, Joss was more than an actor—he was a vibrant, trailblazing figure of Native American and LGBTQ+ representation in media.
Joss was shot while visiting the ruins of his former home, which had been burned down following years of homophobic threats. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, survived the attack and shared a heartbreaking statement, calling the incident a hate crime fueled by unchecked harassment. According to Gonzales, Joss was unarmed and had heroically pushed him out of harm’s way in his final moments.
The loss of Joss reverberates beyond animation fans. His voice lent soul to King of the Hill, Red Dead Redemption, and Tulsa King. His performances spanned decades and genres—from Walker, Texas Ranger to The Forever Purge—always grounded in authenticity.
“He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get,” Gonzales wrote. Now, amid calls for justice, fans and colleagues are remembering Joss not just as a performer—but as a protector, a husband, and a hero.
