Actor Jonathan Joss Dies at 59 in Fatal Shooting in San Antonio
San Antonio, TX — The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Jonathan Joss, the beloved actor best known for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. Joss died on June 1, 2025, following a fatal shooting in San Antonio, according to the San Antonio Police Department. He was 59 years old.
The incident occurred outside the couple’s former residence on Dorsey Drive, where Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, had returned to check their mail. According to a statement shared by Kern de Gonzales on Joss’ official Facebook page, the shooting was the culmination of a pattern of harassment and threats the couple had allegedly endured from individuals in the neighborhood.
“We were checking the mail at the site of our former home,” Kern de Gonzales wrote, “when a man approached us and started yelling violent homophobic slurs. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired.”
San Antonio Police have confirmed that Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody. He has been charged with first-degree murder, and investigators are determining whether hate crime charges will be added as the case progresses. The police department has stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
A Career of Cultural Impact
Born in 1966, Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the long-running animated series King of the Hill. The role became a cultural touchstone, with Joss praised for bringing authenticity and dignity to a character that could have easily been stereotyped.
He later portrayed Chief Ken Hotate, a savvy and tongue-in-cheek tribal leader, on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, earning acclaim for his comedic timing and charismatic screen presence.
Joss also appeared in several notable films, including The Magnificent Seven (2016) and True Grit (2010), and had guest roles on TV shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger. His body of work reflected his ongoing commitment to representing Native voices in Hollywood.
He was also a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness and speak out against injustice.
Community Shock and Grief
The news of Joss’ death has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment community and Native American advocacy circles. Fans, fellow actors, and activists have taken to social media to express their heartbreak and outrage. Tributes have poured in, remembering Joss as a talented performer and a compassionate soul who stood firmly for equality and dignity.
“Jonathan was more than an actor. He was a storyteller, a protector, and a warrior for love and justice,” Kern de Gonzales wrote in his tribute. “He gave his life protecting ours.”
Many are calling for a deeper investigation into the pattern of alleged threats and harassment leading up to the shooting, raising broader concerns about hate-motivated violence against LGBTQ+ and Indigenous individuals.
Looking Ahead
Authorities have yet to announce whether additional charges will be filed against Alvarez or if the shooting will be officially classified as a hate crime. The District Attorney’s office has said it will review all evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and any documented history of threats.
Meanwhile, family, friends, and fans prepare to say goodbye to a man whose legacy will endure through his art, advocacy, and the lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Supporters and members of the public are being encouraged to honor Joss’ memory by donating to LGBTQ+ and Native American rights organizations — two causes he passionately supported.
Rest in Power, Jonathan Joss.
“Your voice will never be silenced.”