Jonathan Joss

Jonathan Joss, an actor known for playing Chief Ken Hotate in the sitcom "Parks and Recreation" and for voicing John Redcorn in the animated sitcom "King of the Hill," was killed June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 59.?

Joss entered the world of acting after earning a theater degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in Texas, making his on-screen debut in the 1995 film "8 Seconds." Three years later, he landed a role in the hit animated sitcom "King of Hill," the second actor to voice the new age healer and masseur John Redcorn. Beginning in the second season, he brought increased success to the character, and he remained with the show for the rest of its 13 original seasons. He returned for the 2025 re-launch, recording his work for it shortly before his death. Other notable roles include Chief Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation" and young Raymond Firewalker in "Walker, Texas Ranger," as well as appearances in "Charmed," "ER," and the films "True Grit" and "The Magnificent Seven." Joss was reportedly shot and killed by a neighbor who had previously argued with Joss and his husband multiple times, allegedly targeting them for their sexual orientation.

"Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentines Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future," his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said on Facebook. "I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Jonathan Joss via Facebook)