Jonathan Joss, ‘King of the Hill’ Star, Shot and Killed in San Antonio

Jonathan Joss, ‘king Of The Hill’ Star, Shot And Killed In San Antonio

This one hurts.

Jonathan Joss, best known as the voice behind John Redcorn in King of the Hill, has died after being shot in San Antonio, Texas.

According to The Guardian, the 59-year-old actor was killed during a shooting incident that took place at a home in the northwest part of the city. Police responded to the scene on Sunday morning and confirmed Joss was pronounced dead shortly after.

No suspects have been named, and the investigation is ongoing.

Fans of King of the Hill will remember Joss as the deep-voiced, stoic John Redcorn — a role he brought to life from 1997 until the show ended in 2010. His performance was sharp, deadpan, and unforgettable, making Redcorn one of the show’s most recognizable characters.

Joss, who was born in San Antonio and a member of the Comanche Nation, had a career that stretched far beyond animation. He appeared in films like The Magnificent Seven and True Grit, and on TV in Parks and Recreation and Walker, Texas Ranger. But it was Redcorn that gave him pop culture immortality — and a spot in the hearts of millions.

He was also an active voice in Indigenous representation in Hollywood. In a 2022 interview, Joss told Indian Country Today that his goal was “to bring Indigenous stories to the mainstream, without stereotypes and with truth.” That mission mattered to him.

The San Antonio police have not released further details about the shooting. The cause is still under investigation, and no motive has been confirmed. A spokesperson told The Guardian that updates would be shared “as the case progresses.”

Tributes are pouring in online. Many fans shared clips of John Redcorn’s best moments, while others thanked Joss for his impact both on-screen and off. One tweet simply read, “Jonathan Joss gave us a character that was funny, wise, and quietly powerful. He mattered.”

Actor Mike Judge, creator of King of the Hill, has not yet commented publicly.

For now, the show’s loyal fanbase — and the Native acting community — are left with shock and sadness. A voice that defined a generation of animated TV has gone silent.

But the legacy? That stays loud.