Jonathan Joss Gonzales (December 22, 1965 – June 1, 2025), a celebrated Native American actor and musician, was tragically shot and killed by a neighbor in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 59. Best known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill and playing Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, Gonzales leaves behind a powerful legacy in entertainment and advocacy.
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Early Life and Education
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan Joss Gonzales grew up in a family that operated a Mexican restaurant. He graduated from McCollum High School in 1984 and pursued college studies at Texas State University–San Marcos, San Antonio College, and finally Our Lady of the Lake University, where he earned a degree in theater and speech.
Breakthrough in Voice Acting: John Redcorn on King of the Hill
Gonzales rose to national fame by voicing the character John Redcorn from Season 2 to Season 13 of King of the Hill, taking over the role after the death of Victor Aaron. His deep, expressive voice and cultural authenticity gave the character depth and resonance, making John Redcorn a standout figure in American animated television.
Live-Action Success: Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation
In live-action television, Gonzales delivered another iconic performance as Chief Ken Hotate in NBC’s hit series Parks and Recreation. With his impeccable comedic timing and magnetic screen presence, the role became a fan favorite and a highlight of the series.
Musical Career and Cultural Contributions
A gifted musician, Gonzales performed in a real-life group called The Red Corn Band, a playful homage to his animated persona. This inspired King of the Hill creators to introduce the fictional band Big Mountain Fudgecake, further blurring the lines between his music and TV legacy.
He also collaborated with the Graywolf Blues Band, contributing to songs like Boogey Man and Still No Good, featured on their 2011 album Dancing in the Rain.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Gonzales ventured into entrepreneurship by launching a signature line of spice rubs in 2011.
Return to the Spotlight: King of the Hill Revival
In 2025, Gonzales returned to voice John Redcorn for the upcoming King of the Hill revival. In a video posted on Instagram just hours before his death, he shared footage of himself walking through Austin, proudly noting that he had already recorded voice work for four new episodes.
Personal Life and LGBTQ+ Identity
Of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, Gonzales was a proud advocate for Native and LGBTQ+ representation. In February 2025, he married Tristan Kern de Gonzales on Valentine’s Day, celebrating their love openly and joyfully in both personal and public spaces.
January 2025 House Fire and Allegations of Targeted Harassment
On January 23, 2025, Gonzales’s home was destroyed in a devastating fire, which also took the lives of three of his dogs. Initially believed to be accidental, Gonzales later questioned the fire’s origin, speculating it may have been an act of homophobic arson.
At the ATX TV Festival in May 2025, he was notably absent from the official King of the Hill panel and later interrupted the event to share concerns about the alleged targeting of his home.
Details of the Fatal Shooting on June 1, 2025
On the day of his death, Gonzales and his husband visited their former residence to check the mail. A verbal altercation with a neighbor escalated, during which the neighbor reportedly used homophobic slurs before fatally shooting Gonzales in the neck and torso. He died at the scene.
His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed that Jonathan pushed him out of the way, potentially saving his life. Witnesses confirmed that the shooter admitted, “I shot him,” as police arrived.
Ongoing History of Neighborhood Conflict and Police Calls
Gonzales had a long-standing conflict with neighbors at the residence. Since January 2025, over 70 police calls were reportedly made to the address, involving:
- Reports of gunfire
- Mental health concerns
- Welfare checks
- Threats involving a crossbow
- Public disturbances involving weapons
Video footage circulated online showed Gonzales walking the neighborhood with a pitchfork, yelling during apparent emotional distress.
Hate Crime Allegations and Active Investigation
Tristan Gonzales has stated that the shooting was a hate crime, citing years of harassment and the failure of law enforcement to intervene effectively. The San Antonio Police Department released a statement saying that no conclusive evidence of a hate crime has been confirmed, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Legacy of Jonathan Joss Gonzales
Jonathan Joss Gonzales was a trailblazing Native American performer, a passionate musician, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. His life was a mix of brilliance and adversity—marked by artistic achievement, cultural advocacy, and personal struggles that reflected broader systemic issues in mental health care, neighbor conflicts, and societal tolerance.
Conclusion: A Call to Remember, Reflect, and Reform
The tragic death of Jonathan Joss Gonzales has shaken fans and advocates nationwide. It serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those at the intersection of marginalized identities.
Jonathan will be remembered for his contributions to American entertainment, his unflinching cultural pride, and the unique energy he brought to every role. His death demands a deeper reckoning with issues of community safety, hate crime prevention, and mental health awareness.
As fans celebrate the return of John Redcorn in the King of the Hill revival, they do so with heavy hearts—mourning not just the character’s voice, but the vibrant man behind it.
Rest in peace, Jonathan.
Your voice, your story, and your spirit will not be forgotten.