Jonathan Joss’ death profiled.
“King of the Hill” star Jonathan Joss has died at 59 after being shot outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday evening, June 1.
Jonathan’s journey highlighted.
Born in San Antonio, Joss was of Comanche descent and often advocated for better Indigenous representation in media throughout his decades-long career.
Joss’s Hollywood story began as a reluctant actor—he originally planned to study veterinary medicine before falling into the world of theater.
After earning his degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, he found himself pulled toward storytelling and performance.
He moved to Los Angeles in the early ’90s, carving out a niche playing complex Native characters who defied stereotypes.
Jonathan’s notable roles detailed.
Joss voiced the memorable character John Redcorn in “King of the Hill,” stepping into the role in Season 3 after the original actor, Victor Aaron, tragically died in a car crash in 1996.
His deep, resonant voice and wry delivery made Redcorn a fan-favorite and pop culture icon in his own right.
The series, which aired from 1997 to 2010, tackled suburban life in Texas with dry humor, and Joss’s role helped anchor it in Native authenticity.
He wasn’t just the voice of John Redcorn—he was John Redcorn, giving the character gravitas, soul, and signature flair.
By the time he landed the role on “King of the Hill,” Joss had become a respected, in-demand voice in Indigenous entertainment circles.
Outside “King of the Hill,” Joss built a steady resume in both television and film, with recurring roles in “Parks and Recreation” as Chief Ken Hotate, “Ray Donovan,” and “Tulsa King.”
He also appeared in the Coen Brothers’ Oscar-nominated “True Grit” and the remake of “The Magnificent Seven.”
Jonathan’s final days revealed.
Just days before his death, Joss was actively promoting the reboot of “King of the Hill,” which is set to hit Hulu in August.
He had already recorded several episodes and appeared at the ATX TV Festival with co-stars Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss.
In his final Instagram post, filmed while walking the streets of Austin, he smiled and teased fans: “The reboot is up and moving. It’s happening, folks.”
He signed off with a wink and a wave, completely unaware of what would unfold just hours later.
Jonathan’s death confirmed.
The San Antonio Police Department confirmed Joss was pronounced dead at the scene, despite frantic life-saving attempts by first responders.
The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, was quickly located and arrested after allegedly fleeing the area in a vehicle.
Police say the man booked for Joss’s murder was, in a stunning twist, his own next-door neighbor.
Cejam has been officially charged with murder, though investigators say the motive behind the fatal shooting remains under investigation.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting in progress around 7 p.m., where they discovered Joss lying near the road, unresponsive.
His death has stunned the entertainment community—and fans of the long-running animated series he helped bring to life.
According to witnesses, the altercation that led to the shooting began as a heated argument between Joss and Cejam—but details remain murky.
Neighbors told police the two men had a “tense” history, marked by occasional disputes and noise complaints.
One neighbor told TMZ, “We always thought they didn’t get along. But no one expected this. It’s shocking.”
Authorities say they’re still piecing together what caused the situation to escalate into deadly violence.
Reactions to Jonathan’s death clarified.
Joss’s death has left a gaping hole in the cast lineup for the new Hulu series—producers have yet to announce how they will move forward.
His co-stars and fans alike have flooded social media with tributes, sharing favorite Redcorn moments and heartfelt condolences.
“We lost a giant,” one post read. “No one could’ve played Redcorn like Jonathan Joss. He was the soul of the show.”
Others have called for the upcoming revival to dedicate an episode—or the entire season—in Joss’s memory.
Rest in peace Jonathan Joss.
As police continue their investigation, one thing is heartbreakingly clear: Joss’s final chapter came far too soon, and far too violently.
A beloved voice has been silenced—and fans are left reeling from the loss of an icon whose most exciting work was just getting started.