Texas Actor Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn, Victim Of Hate Crime
Jonathan Joss, the Texas-born actor known for giving voice to the iconic Native character John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was shot and killed Sunday night in a senseless act of violence in San Antonio. He was 59.
Who Was Jonathan Joss?
A proud Apache and Comanche man, Jonathan Joss grew up in San Antonio and earned a fine arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. Over a three-decade career in film and television, Joss carved out space for Native American stories in mainstream entertainment.
He became a household name through his role as John Redcorn, the soft-spoken spiritual healer in King of the Hill. He appeared in 34 episodes from 1997 to 2009. Joss was also set to reprise the role in Hulu’s upcoming revival, which is scheduled to premiere in August.
The Shooting That Took His Life
According to the San Antonio Police Department, Joss was shot by his neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, during a confrontation outside the site where Joss’s longtime home had recently burned down. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, stated on Facebook that the shooting was a hate crime. He described years of harassment over their sexuality and alleged that the neighbor shouted homophobic slurs before pulling the trigger. While police said they found no evidence supporting a hate motive, they noted the investigation is ongoing and remains open to new evidence.
A Career Centered on Native Representation
Beyond King of the Hill, Joss’s work included memorable roles in Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, Walker, Texas Ranger, Friday Night Lights, and the film True Grit. In each, he brought depth and authenticity to Native roles that are too often misrepresented or ignored.
Joss’s portrayal of Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation offered a rare moment of satire that did not mock Native identity. Instead, it gave that identity weight and wit. He carried his culture proudly both on and off screen, helping to reshape how Native characters are written and seen.
A Devastating Year Ends in Tragedy
Earlier this year, Joss lost his home and dog in a fire. In an interview with local news outlet KSAT, he admitted he was struggling and out of work. A fan-created GoFundMe was launched after the fire and is now receiving renewed donations in light of his death.
Despite personal hardship, Joss remained deeply rooted in his community. He continued advocating for Native voices and hoped to bring John Redcorn to a new generation.
Honoring Jonathan Joss’s Legacy
Jonathan Joss did not just entertain. He mattered. He gave voice to a character who was rarely taken seriously by the town around him, but deeply loved by viewers who saw something true in him. His real-life story mirrored that quiet strength. Joss was an artist, a trailblazer, and a proud Texan.
As investigations continue and his community mourns, fans across Texas and the country are remembering a man whose voice and spirit will not be forgotten.
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Gallery Credit: Ryan Reichard