Summary
Jonathan Joss, a Native American actor best known for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, died at age 59 after being fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, were visiting the site of their former home—destroyed in a fire—when a neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, allegedly hurled homophobic slurs and opened fire. Joss was killed while shielding his husband from the bullets.
Introduction
Renowned Native American actor Jonathan Joss, best known for his unforgettable performances in King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, tragically passed away at age 59. Joss was shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025, in what authorities have described as a targeted hate crime. His death has left fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry in shock.
Who Was Jonathan Joss?
Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan Joss was a talented actor of Comanche and Apache descent. With a deep voice and a commanding screen presence, Joss carved a niche for himself portraying powerful and culturally resonant Native American characters.
- Birthdate: December 22, 1965
- Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas
- Ethnicity: Comanche and Apache
- Famous Roles: John Redcorn (King of the Hill), Chief Ken Hotate (Parks and Recreation)
Joss began his career in the mid-1990s and quickly became a recognizable face and voice in both animated and live-action television.
Career Highlights
King of the Hill (1997–2009)
Joss was the voice behind the iconic character John Redcorn, a spiritual healer and prominent Native American figure in King of the Hill. His portrayal blended humor with subtle commentary on Native identity and cultural erasure.
Parks and Recreation (2011–2015)
In Parks and Recreation, he played Chief Ken Hotate, a charismatic and humorous tribal leader of the Wamapoke tribe. Joss brought nuance to a character that could have easily been reduced to a stereotype.
Other Notable Credits:
- Walker, Texas Ranger
- True Grit (2010)
- Comanche Moon
- American Outlaws
- Voice roles in various animated series and games
He was also scheduled to reprise his role in the King of the Hill revival series for Hulu.
Tragic Death in San Antonio, Texas
Jonathan Joss was shot and killed on June 1, 2025, while visiting the remains of a house he had previously lived in with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. The home had burned down in a fire earlier that year.
What Happened?
According to local law enforcement and media reports:
- The couple was visiting the location when a neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, approached them aggressively.
- Ceja reportedly shouted homophobic slurs at Joss and Gonzales.
- Moments later, Ceja opened fire.
- Joss, unarmed, shielded his husband, taking fatal shots that ended his life.
He died as a result of his injuries at the scene.
Suspect Arrested
Police arrested Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, 48, at the scene. He is currently facing murder charges, and investigators have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a hate crime.
According to court documents, Ceja had a history of harassing the couple with anti-gay and racially charged remarks.
Community and Industry Reaction
Fans and Co-Stars React
The news of Jonathan Joss’s death triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, actors, and advocates across social media.
- Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation): “We are heartbroken. Jonathan was kind, hilarious, and deeply proud of his heritage.”
- Aubrey Plaza, Amy Poehler, and others expressed condolences, with cast members reportedly forming a group chat to grieve together.
- King of the Hill co-creator Mike Judge called Joss “irreplaceable.”
Indigenous Community Tributes
Native American leaders and organizations issued statements honoring Joss’s contributions to Indigenous visibility in media.
- “He was more than an actor. He was a cultural bridge,” said activist Suzan Shown Harjo.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Jonathan Joss was among the few Native American actors consistently working in Hollywood. His roles were not only entertaining but educational, often correcting misconceptions about Indigenous identity.
Key Contributions:
- Amplified authentic Native voices in mainstream media
- Helped redefine Native representation in comedy
- Actively participated in Indigenous film festivals and mentorship programs
His character Chief Ken Hotate is often cited as one of the smartest satirical commentaries on Native-American relations in pop culture.
His Relationship and Heroic Final Moments
Joss had been in a committed relationship with Tristan Kern de Gonzales, a writer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate. The two were married and frequently worked on community engagement projects together.
According to Gonzales:
“Jonathan died a hero. He saved my life. I will spend the rest of my life honoring him.”
The shooting, which occurred during Pride Month, has reignited conversations about the intersection of racism and homophobia in America.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation is ongoing, but the District Attorney’s Office has indicated that hate crime charges will be added to Ceja’s prosecution.
Upcoming Court Dates:
- Arraignment: June 6, 2025
- Preliminary Hearing: July 15, 2025
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Funeral and Memorial Plans
A public memorial service is being planned in San Antonio, followed by a private Native American ceremony led by Comanche elders.
The family has requested donations to be made to:
- The Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
- The Trevor Project, supporting LGBTQ+ youth
In Conclusion: A Life That Mattered
Jonathan Joss was more than an actor. He was a trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a man of deep integrity. His tragic death highlights ongoing issues of hate-based violence, but his legacy will endure through the characters he brought to life and the lives he touched.
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