Actor Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was shot and killed Sunday evening in San Antonio, Texas. Authorities say Joss, 59, was found in the street with multiple gunshot wounds after an altercation with his neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam.
Police were called around 7 p.m. for a shooting in progress. They attempted life-saving measures, but Joss was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers later arrested Cejam a block from the scene and booked him on murder charges. Sources told TMZ that the two had a history of verbal and physical disputes.
Joss, who had already recorded lines for the King of the Hill revival, voiced the character John Redcorn from Season 2 through the show’s end in 2009. His other roles included Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, and appearances in Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven.
A member of the Comanche and White Mountain Apache tribes, Joss advocated for authentic Native American representation in Hollywood, telling young actors at Indigenous Comic Con in 2017 that standing up for modern, accurate portrayals is important, even when the industry resists.
Joss’ sudden and tragic death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and Native American communities alike. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow actors who admired his work, not just for the characters he portrayed, but for the cultural authenticity he brought to the screen.
Joss often used his platform to advocate for better opportunities for Native American actors and to challenge Hollywood’s tendency to relegate Indigenous characters to stereotypical roles. His legacy, many say, lies not only in his memorable performances but also in his tireless efforts to ensure that future generations of Native actors can see themselves reflected in complex, modern characters.
The King of the Hill revival, which had generated excitement among fans of the original series, now faces an uncertain future. Joss’ voice and presence were integral to the show’s unique blend of humor and heart, and his loss is a blow to the project’s momentum. Many are calling for the revival to honor Joss’ contributions in a meaningful way.
The San Antonio Police Department has not released further details about the ongoing investigation into Joss’ death, but they have confirmed that Cejam remains in custody. It is unclear if the shooting was premeditated or if it escalated from an argument, but sources say Joss and Cejam’s long-standing feud had been known in the neighborhood.
