Jonathan Joss, 'King of the Hill' and 'Parks and Recreation' Star, Fatally Shot at 59 in San Antonio
- Teo Drinkovic
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Native American Gay Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot; He is Remembered for Iconic Roles and LGBTQ+ Advocacy; Husband Alleges Hate Crime Amid Ongoing Investigation
Introduction
Due to a tragic sequence of events, American actor Jonathan Joss, known for his roles that brought authenticity and humor to Native American characters on television, such as Chief Ken Hotate in the comedy series Parks and Recreation and John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, has passed away prematurely.
His death has caused shock and sorrow among fans and colleagues and has raised questions about the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals within Native communities.
Following a verbal altercation with neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, the neighbor shot him, and he died on June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 59.
According to his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, it appears to be a homophobic hate crime, although the investigation is still ongoing, and police have yet to find evidence to confirm this classification. them.us
Early Life and Education
Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan Joss Gonzales was proud of his Comanche and Apache heritage. He grew up in a modest home on the south side of the city, where he attended McCollum High School.
After high school, he enrolled at Texas State University-San Marcos but left before graduating. He later completed studies in theatre and speech at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.
His passion for acting developed during elementary school, and he notably stood out during visits to his former elementary school, Gillette Elementary, where he inspired students to follow their dreams.
In a 2019 interview for the Pretty Much Pop podcast, he spoke about the challenges he faced as a Native American actor and the importance of portraying real stories of Native communities.
Career Rise and Notable Roles
Joss began his acting career with minor roles in television series in the early 1990s. His breakthrough came after the death of Victor Aaron in 1996, who originally voiced John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. Joss then provided the voice for Redcorn from the second season until the end of the series.
He also portrayed Chief Ken Hotate in the comedy series Parks and Recreation, bringing authenticity and humor to Native American characters.
Roles in films such as The Magnificent Seven (2016) and True Grit (2010) further solidified his reputation in Hollywood. them.us
Following his death, numerous colleagues and fans expressed grief and paid tribute to Joss. Chris Pratt, his co-star from Parks and Recreation, described him as "always a kind man." Nick Offerman also expressed sorrow over the loss of his friend and colleague.
Personal Life and Tragedies
In January 2025, Joss lost his home in a fire that also claimed the lives of his three dogs. Initially believing the fire was caused by a heater accident, he later suspected it might have been intentionally set due to homophobic motives. Following the fire, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist him in recovery. abc7.com
On Valentine's Day 2025, Joss married his partner, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. The couple lived in a community that, according to them, was hostile toward their relationship. people.com
Verbal Attack and Murder
Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, returned to the site of their former home, which had burned down in January 2025. During the visit, they discovered the remains of one of their dogs, causing intense emotions.
According to his husband, the couple had been subjected to years of homophobic harassment, including threats and suspicions that the fire preceding the murder was intentionally set due to their sexual orientation. people.com
During the visit, a verbal altercation occurred with neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who began insulting them based on their sexual orientation and hurled homophobic slurs.
The verbal confrontation soon escalated into a firearm attack when the neighbor opened fire on the couple, fatally wounding Joss, who tried to protect his husband with his body.
The attacker, Alvarez, was soon arrested and charged with murder. Police stated that they currently cannot confirm it was a hate crime, and the investigation is ongoing. people.com
Conclusion
Joss left an indelible mark on the world of acting and entertainment, not only through his roles but also through his activism and fight for the authentic representation of Native peoples.
His death has prompted reflection and discussions about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals within Native communities and the need for greater protection and understanding. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by all other marginalized communities and the need for greater empathy and justice in society.
The rise in hate crimes based on race, gender, or religion is continually increasing, both in the USA and the rest of the world, and the need to take action should be imperative for each of us. Time.com
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