The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and violent death of Jonathan Joss, the beloved voice behind King of the Hill’s John Redcorn and a familiar face on Parks and Recreation. Joss, who was 59 years old at the time of his death, was tragically shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025. The devastating incident has sparked both grief and calls for justice, as the actor’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, revealed heartbreaking details surrounding the tragedy.
While fans remember Joss for his on-screen roles and voice acting legacy, many have also expressed curiosity about his personal life, career journey, and financial standing.
The Tragic Death of Jonathan Joss
On the evening of Sunday, June 1, police in San Antonio responded to reports of gunfire around 7 p.m. When they arrived on the scene, they discovered Jonathan Joss near the roadside, critically injured. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Later that evening, authorities arrested the alleged shooter, 56-year-old Sigfredo Álvarez Cejam, a neighbor of the couple. Álvarez fled the area but was soon located and charged with murder. While the investigation is ongoing, it has been confirmed that tensions and harassment had been building in the neighborhood for over two years, with Jonathan and Tristan facing repeated homophobic threats.
According to Tristan, they were at their former property checking their mail when they encountered the skull and harness of one of their deceased dogs left in plain view—a traumatizing and deliberate act. As the couple responded emotionally to the discovery, a man approached, shouted anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, and opened fire. Joss reportedly shielded his husband from the gunfire, sacrificing his own life.
“He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” Tristan wrote in a moving tribute on social media.
Remembering Jonathan Joss: His Life and Career
Jonathan Joss, whose full name was Jonathan Joss Gonzales, was born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas. His acting journey began after attending McCollum High School, followed by time at Texas State University, San Antonio College, and later Our Lady of the Lake University, where he earned a degree in Theater and Speech.
Joss gained national recognition when he took over the role of John Redcorn in King of the Hill after the passing of Victor Aaron. From season 2 to 13, his voice became synonymous with the character, leaving a lasting mark on one of television’s most iconic animated series. He also appeared on Parks and Recreation as Chief Ken Hotate, another standout performance that showcased his comedic timing and cultural pride.
In addition to acting, Joss was a musician, performing with The Red Corn Band, a musical project inspired by his animated alter ego. He often combined his passion for Indigenous culture, music, and performance into a cohesive creative identity that resonated with fans across the country.
At the time of his death, Joss had reportedly begun recording material for the King of the Hill revival, continuing his legacy in a role that introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Family and Private Life
Jonathan Joss was married to Tristan Kern de Gonzales, with whom he shared not only a romantic bond but a life deeply rooted in mutual respect, advocacy, and love. Although their relationship wasn’t often in the spotlight, Tristan’s heartfelt social media posts in the days following Joss’s death made clear the intense devotion and pain the two experienced.
Their relationship had been tested by external hostility. According to Tristan, the two faced harassment and threats at their residence for years prior to the fatal shooting. The couple remained resilient, united in both love and their advocacy for equality and safety for the LGBTQ+ community.
Joss had no biological children but is remembered by a wide circle of friends, family members, and fans, many of whom considered him a role model and cultural icon.
Jonathan Joss’ Net Worth
Although Jonathan Joss’s exact net worth is difficult to verify due to a lack of publicly available financial documents or reliable estimates, it is widely believed that his decades-long career in television, film, and music positioned him as a financially stable figure.
With recurring roles in successful series like King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, combined with his touring and performance income from The Red Corn Band, Joss likely accumulated modest but meaningful wealth. Industry insiders estimate that his net worth at the time of his death may have been between $500,000 and $1 million, factoring in royalties, live performances, and voice-over work.
While he may not have been among the highest-earning Hollywood stars, Joss’s impact was immeasurable—particularly within the Native American and LGBTQ+ communities where he stood as both a cultural and personal figure of strength.
A Legacy That Lives On
The loss of Jonathan Joss is being deeply felt by fans, friends, and fellow artists. His unique voice, comedic timing, and unapologetic authenticity made him a standout talent in both mainstream and Indigenous entertainment circles.
As tributes pour in across social media, many fans remember him not only for his characters but for his kindness, creativity, and courage. His husband Tristan’s words summed it up best: “He valued his fans deeply. He saw you as family.”
Joss’s legacy will continue through his recorded works, his advocacy, and the personal sacrifices he made. As investigations continue into the hate-fueled circumstances surrounding his death, calls for justice and awareness about homophobic violence grow stronger.