The Tragic Final Months Of Jonathan Joss: 5 Shocking Details About The King Of The Hill Star’s Life And Death

The news of Jonathan Joss Gonzales’s passing in June 2025 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, but the full story of his final months is one of devastating tragedy and profound loss. The San Antonio native, best known for bringing the iconic, smooth-talking John Redcorn on *King of the Hill* to life, was a celebrated Native American actor and musician whose career was a quiet but powerful force for representation. This article, updated on December 10, 2025, delves into the essential chapters of his life—from his breakout roles to the heartbreaking, tumultuous events that preceded his untimely death. The narrative of Jonathan Joss is not just about his celebrated voice acting or his notable on-screen roles; it is about a man who championed his heritage, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be honored, including a touching tribute in the highly anticipated *King of the Hill* revival. The circumstances surrounding his death, involving a fatal dispute with a neighbor, have brought a somber focus to the final, difficult year of his life.

Jonathan Joss: Biography and Career Profile

Jonathan Joss Gonzales was a celebrated American actor and musician of White Mountain Apache and Comanche ancestry. He was a powerful advocate for Native American representation in Hollywood and beyond.

• Full Name: Jonathan Joss Gonzales
• Date of Birth: December 22, 1965
• Date of Death: June 1, 2025
• Age at Death: 59
• Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas
• Ancestry: White Mountain Apache and Comanche
• Education: McCollum High School; Our Lady of the Lake University
• Known For (Acting): Voice of John Redcorn on *King of the Hill*; Chief Ken Hotate on *Parks and Recreation*
• Known For (Music): Frontman of The Red Corn Band, an alternative blues group
• Notable Film/TV Roles: *8 Seconds*, *Dead Man's Walk*, *The Wraith Within*, Bad Face on *Tulsa King*

The Voice Behind the Legend: John Redcorn and Ken Hotate

Jonathan Joss’s most enduring legacy lies in his voice work and his memorable comedic roles. His ability to blend gravitas with sharp comedic timing made his characters unforgettable, particularly in two of television's most beloved comedies.

The Iconic John Redcorn on *King of the Hill*

For over a dozen seasons, Joss was the voice of John Redcorn, the charismatic and spiritual paramour of Nancy Gribble and the biological father of Joseph Gribble. The character, a masseur and musician, became a cultural touchstone, recognized for his distinctive voice and his role in one of the show's longest-running, open secrets. His involvement in the upcoming *King of the Hill* revival on Hulu was confirmed before his passing, a testament to the importance of his character to the show's creators, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. Following his death, the revival honored him with an emotional onscreen tribute, cementing his place in the show's history. This was one of the last projects he was able to contribute to, giving his fans a final chance to hear his beloved voice.

Chief Ken Hotate on *Parks and Recreation*

Joss also gained significant recognition for his recurring live-action role as Chief Ken Hotate on NBC’s *Parks and Recreation*. Hotate, the leader of the fictional Wamapoke Tribe, was a master of dry wit and played a comedic foil to Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). The role was a perfect showcase for Joss's ability to deliver deadpan humor while maintaining a commanding presence.

5 Shocking Details About Jonathan Joss’s Final Months in 2025

The beginning of 2025 brought a series of devastating personal tragedies to Jonathan Joss, culminating in the shocking and violent end to his life. These events provide a somber context to the loss of the beloved actor.

1. A Devastating House Fire Destroyed His Childhood Home

Just months before his death, in January 2025, Joss’s house in South San Antonio was completely destroyed by a fire. This was not just any property; it was the house he had grown up in, a place filled with deep personal history and memories. The loss of his home was a profound personal blow, marking the start of a calamitous year.

2. The Fatal Shooting Occurred Amidst an Ongoing Dispute

Jonathan Joss was shot and killed on June 1, 2025, at his property in San Antonio. The shooting was the tragic result of an ongoing dispute with a neighbor, highlighting the volatile situation he was facing. Police pronounced him dead at the scene.

3. His Alleged Killer Was Indicted Five Months Later

The legal aftermath of the shooting saw the man accused of killing Joss indicted on a murder charge. The indictment, which occurred more than five months after the fatal incident, brought a degree of legal progression to the case, though it did little to ease the grief of his family and fans.

4. He Was a Grammy-Winning Musician with The Red Corn Band

Beyond his acting career, Joss was an accomplished musician. He was the frontman for an alternative blues group called The Red Corn Band. The band achieved significant recognition, even winning a Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album. His musical talent was a lesser-known but equally impressive facet of his creative life.

5. He Was a Lifelong Advocate for Native American Stories

Throughout his career, Joss was known for his commitment to authentic Native American representation. His roles, from the comedic Chief Ken Hotate to his dramatic appearances in Westerns like *Dead Man's Walk*, consistently brought Native voices and stories to a wider audience. He used his platform to ensure that Indigenous characters were portrayed with depth and respect, cementing his legacy not just as an entertainer, but as a cultural figure. His death leaves a significant void in the community he so passionately represented.