Jonathan Joss, the beloved Native American actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on the hit animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed outside his San Antonio, Texas home on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was 59 years old.
Fatal shooting in San Antonio
They took my brother away from me man…Jonathan Joss aka John Redcorn….i love you brother until i see you again
— Frankie (@Frankieee_SVT) June 2, 2025pic.twitter.com/yV7bBnAJOe
According to the Houston Chronicle, the San Antonio Police Department responded to a shooting on the 200 block of Dorsey Drive around 7 p.m. Sunday, June 1. They found Joss on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The alleged shooter, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, reportedly had a long-standing dispute with Joss. Police say the conflict escalated into violence. Ceja fled the scene but was arrested nearby and charged with murder. He is currently held on a $200,000 bond.
‘King of the Hill’ and beyond
Joss gained national fame for his portrayal of John Redcorn, the stoic Native American healer in King of the Hill, a role he voiced from 1998 until the show’s end in 2010. His acclaimed performance brought nuance and dignity to a character often placed in comedic situations, earning him praise for bringing authenticity to Native American representation in media.
In addition to his animated work, Joss had a memorable recurring role on NBC’s Parks and Recreation as Chief Ken Hotate, the wry and sharp-witted tribal leader of the Wamapoke people. His appearances in the fan-favorite sitcom included clever commentary on U.S. history, casino politics, and bureaucracy.
Joss also appeared in high-profile films, including True Grit (2010), The Magnificent Seven (2016), and TV shows like Tulsa King.
Recent personal struggles
Earlier this year, Joss endured another heartbreaking loss. In January, his childhood home — the same property where he was later killed — caught fire. The blaze claimed the lives of his three dogs and left him devastated.
Just days before his death, Joss attended the ATX TV Festival, reuniting with King of the Hill cast members to promote the show’s upcoming revival on Hulu. Shortly before he died, he expressed joy over revisiting the role of Redcorn in the show.
