Who Was Jonathan Joss?
Jonathan Joss, born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, was a celebrated actor and musician of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent. He gained widespread recognition for voicing the character John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill from seasons 2 through 13, following the death of the original actor, Victor Aaron. Joss also portrayed Chief Ken Hotate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to authentic Native American representation in media.
Beyond television, Joss appeared in films such as True Grit and The Magnificent Seven, and lent his voice to video games like Red Dead Redemption and Cyberpunk 2077. He was also the frontman of The Red Corn Band, blending his musical talents with his cultural heritage.
How Did Jonathan Joss Die?
On June 1, 2025, Jonathan Joss was fatally shot outside his former residence on Dorsey Drive in San Antonio. According to police reports, the suspect, 56-year-old neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, approached Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, during a visit to their previous home. An altercation ensued, during which Ceja allegedly directed homophobic slurs at the couple before opening fire. Joss was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders.
Ceja was apprehended shortly after the incident and has been charged with murder. His bond was set at $200,000.
History of Harassment and Loss
The fatal shooting was the culmination of ongoing tensions between Joss and Ceja. Earlier in January 2025, Joss’s home was destroyed in a fire, which also claimed the lives of three of his dogs. Joss believed the fire was a result of targeted harassment due to his sexual orientation, although official investigations attributed it to accidental causes.
In the aftermath, fans rallied to support Joss through a GoFundMe campaign, helping him rebuild his life.
Just days before his death, Joss attended the ATX TV Festival in Austin, where he expressed excitement about reprising his role as John Redcorn in the upcoming King of the Hill revival set to premiere on Hulu in August. He had completed voice work for several episodes, ensuring his presence in the new season.
Jonathan Joss’s contributions to entertainment, particularly in bringing authentic Native American characters to mainstream media, have left an indelible mark. His dedication to his craft and his community will be remembered and celebrated.
