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Beloved ‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in San Antonio: A Legacy Remembered
Jonathan Joss, widely recognized as the voice behind John Redcorn in the beloved animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas on June 1, 2025. Known also for his role as Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, Joss was a pioneer in Native American representation in entertainment. His death has left fans and fellow actors mourning across the globe, as police investigate the incident involving suspect Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja. This article explores his life, career, and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his passing.
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🔹 Tragedy in San Antonio: ‘King of the Hill’ Actor Shot
San Antonio, TX – Jonathan Joss, best known as the voice actor for John Redcorn in the hit animated series King of the Hill, was fatally shot in an altercation with his neighbor on June 1, 2025. According to San Antonio police reports, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a neighbor of Joss, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
Joss, 59, was found with multiple gunshot wounds after an alleged dispute with Ceja escalated outside their homes in a quiet San Antonio neighborhood. Authorities confirmed the ‘King of the Hill’ actor was shot at the scene and pronounced dead shortly after emergency services arrived.
🔹 Who Was Jonathan Joss? A Look at His Career and Impact
Jonathan Joss—sometimes spelled Johnathon Joss or Jonathon Joss, and occasionally mistaken online as Joss Jonathan—was a Native American actor of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent. He rose to fame for voicing John Redcorn, a fan-favorite character in King of the Hill. His role gave authentic voice to a character rarely represented in mainstream animation.
After taking over the role in Season 2 following the tragic passing of original actor Victor Aaron, Joss became synonymous with John Redcorn, staying with the series until its finale and was also slated to reprise the role in Hulu’s upcoming reboot of the show.
Outside of animation, Joss was widely recognized for his portrayal of Ken Hotate, the tribal elder in NBC’s Parks and Recreation. His memorable scenes with Nick Offerman’s character, Ron Swanson, added cultural depth and comedic sharpness to the series.
🔹 Personal Struggles Before the Tragedy
Earlier this year, Joss suffered a heartbreaking personal loss. In January 2025, a fire engulfed his childhood home, built by his father in 1957. He lost not only the house but also three beloved dogs and countless pieces of memorabilia from his decades-long acting career.
In an interview with local media, Joss expressed emotional devastation but also showed a hopeful spirit, planning to rebuild and return to voice acting, especially for the awaited King of the Hill reboot.
🔹 The Alleged Shooter: Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja
The suspected shooter, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, is currently in custody. Police say there had been ongoing tensions between Ceja and Joss, but the motive behind the fatal incident is still under investigation.
Witnesses say Ceja appeared agitated and confrontational in recent weeks. Surveillance footage and 911 calls led to a swift arrest. Ceja faces charges of first-degree murder and is awaiting trial.
🔹 Outpouring of Grief from the Entertainment Community
Hollywood and fans worldwide have reacted with shock. Fellow Parks and Rec actor Nick Offerman expressed his sadness on social media and in interviews, saying the cast had been texting and mourning together. “Jonathan Joss brought sincerity and authenticity to every role,” Offerman said. “His spirit will be missed deeply.”
Several fans and friends—including Tristan Kern de Gonzales, a Native American rights activist—have taken to social media to honor Joss’s legacy as a champion of indigenous representation in media.
🔹 The Legacy of John Redcorn
King of the Hill’s John Redcorn remains one of the most iconic animated Native American characters of all time. As the John Redcorn actor, Joss infused the role with nuance and dignity, transcending stereotypes while still providing sharp satire that fans appreciated.
For many viewers, Joss wasn’t just a voice—he was a symbol of cultural visibility in a largely underrepresented space. His performance as John Redcorn voice actor inspired many Native youth to pursue the arts.
🔹 What’s Next?
The production team behind Hulu’s upcoming King of the Hill reboot has not commented yet on how they will handle the role of John Redcorn following Joss’s death. Given Joss’s close attachment to the character, replacing him will be a sensitive and deeply emotional process.
🔹 Final Thoughts
The tragic loss of Jonathan Joss, aka John Redcorn, has left a permanent void in the hearts of fans and the entertainment industry. From San Antonio to Hollywood, tributes continue pouring in, remembering the man who brought humor, pride, and authenticity to every screen he graced.
FAQs
Who was Jonathan Joss?
Jonathan Joss was a Native American actor best known as the voice of John Redcorn in King of the Hill and as Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation.
How did Jonathan Joss die?
He was fatally shot during an altercation with his neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025.
Who is Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja?
Ceja is the suspect charged with murder in connection to Jonathan Joss’s death. He was reportedly Joss’s neighbor and was arrested shortly after the incident.
What character did Jonathan Joss voice on King of the Hill?
He voiced John Redcorn, a Native American character who became iconic for his unique presence and cultural relevance on the show.
Was Jonathan Joss involved in any recent projects?
Yes. He was expected to reprise his role as John Redcorn in the upcoming King of the Hill reboot on Hulu.
What happened to his house earlier this year?
In January 2025, Joss lost his childhood home and three dogs in a tragic house fire, just months before his passing.
What did he contribute to Native American representation?
Joss was a Comanche and White Mountain Apache actor who prioritized authentic storytelling and avoided stereotypes in his work.
How did fans and celebrities react to his death?
Many fans and celebrities, including Nick Offerman, expressed deep sorrow. Offerman said the Parks and Rec cast had been texting each other all day to mourn.
What roles did he play besides John Redcorn?
Besides voicing John Redcorn, he played Ken Hotate in Parks and Rec, and appeared in films like The Magnificent Seven and Lone Ranger.
Where can I find more updates on this case?
Updates are available through local San Antonio news outlets, national entertainment media, and platforms like Vulture, NY Post, and MySanAntonio.com.
