Remembering Joss: LGBTQ+ Community Mourns Loss of Talented Performer
About the People Mentioned
Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss (December 22, 1965 – June 1, 2025) was an American actor and musician of Native American descent, recognized primarily for his voice role as John Redcorn in the animated series *King of the Hill* and his portrayal of Chief Ken Hotate on *Parks and Recreation*. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he proudly embraced his White Mountain Apache and Comanche heritage in both his work and activism. His career spanned film, television, and voice acting, with notable appearances in *The Magnificent Seven* (2016), *The Forever Purge* (2021), and *Abduction of the Fourth Kind* (2022)[1][4]. Joss was also known for his musical contributions with The Red Corn Band, reflecting his deep connection to Indigenous culture. Beyond entertainment, he was a vocal advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ representation, openly identifying as a queer man and using his platform to promote justice and visibility for marginalized communities[2][3]. In early 2025, Joss faced significant personal hardships, including the destruction of his San Antonio home by fire in January, which he linked to struggles related to his identity. He married Tristan Kern de Gonzales in February 2025. Despite challenges, Joss continued working, having recorded episodes for a *King of the Hill* revival shortly before his death. Tragically, on June 1, 2025, he was fatally shot in San Antonio at age 59[1][2][6]. His final public appearances revealed his candidness about mental health and substance use struggles, underscoring the complexity of his life beyond his public persona. Jonathan Joss is remembered for his distinctive voice roles, his artistic contributions, and his commitment to advocacy for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities[3][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
King of the Hill
**King of the Hill** is an American animated sitcom created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels that originally aired on Fox from 1997 to 2009, with syndication episodes in 2010, and was revived in 2025 on streaming platforms Hulu and Disney+ with new episodes[1]. The show centers on the Hill family—Hank, Peggy, and their son Bobby—living in the fictional Texas suburb of Arlen. It humorously portrays everyday life, focusing on blue-collar values, family dynamics, and small-town American culture, grounded in realism rather than exaggerated comedy[1][3]. The series was developed during Mike Judge's work on *Beavis and Butt-Head* and benefitted from Greg Daniels’ experience on *The Simpsons*, contributing to its sharp writing and relatable characters[1]. King of the Hill became one of Fox’s longest-running series with 259 episodes across 13 seasons, known for its subtle humor and satirical yet affectionate take on Texan and middle-American life[1][4]. The recent revival continues this tradition, showing the Hills in new settings like Saudi Arabia, maintaining the show’s thematic focus on cultural and social observations while addressing contemporary issues such as political polarization through characters like Dale, who embodies conspiracy theories[4]. The show achieved critical acclaim, including Emmy recognition, and has an extensive archive documenting its production history, featuring scripts, storyboards, and marketing materials, highlighting the meticulous creative process behind the series[2]. Its key achievements lie in shaping animated sitcoms with a balance of humor and social commentary, influencing portrayals of American family and working-class life in media. Currently, King of the Hill enjoys renewed popularity, with longtime fans and new audiences appreciating its nuanced characters and grounded storytelling, reinforced by the 2025 revival that adapts to modern contexts while preserving its original spirit[1][4]. Its legacy endures as a culturally insightful, character-driven show that blends humor with thoughtful reflections on everyday America
