Tragic Loss: Actor Jonathan Joss Shot Dead Shielding His Husband

Jonathan Joss, the renowned Native American actor best known for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill and playing Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting incident in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59 years old.

According to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), officers responded to an emergency call on Sunday involving a shooting on Dorsey Drive. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Joss lying near the road with gunshot wounds. Despite attempts by officers to administer first aid before emergency medical personnel arrived, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspect has been arrested on charges related to the incident. While the investigation remains ongoing, SAPD released a statement on Monday evening indicating that there is currently no evidence suggesting the attack was motivated by Joss’s sexual orientation.

The actor’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed Joss’s death in a message to the Associated Press and shared a heartbreaking account of the events leading up to the tragedy. According to de Gonzales, the couple had stepped outside their home to collect the mail when they were confronted by an armed individual.

“We weren’t armed. We weren’t threatening anyone. We were simply standing together, still mourning the recent loss of our three dogs in a fire that destroyed part of our home in January,” de Gonzales stated. “When the man pulled a gun on us, Jonathan immediately pushed me out of the way. He took the bullet. He saved my life.”

This latest tragedy comes just months after a house fire devastated their home and claimed the lives of the couple’s dogs, compounding the grief and heartbreak felt by de Gonzales and Joss’s loved ones.

Jonathan Joss, who was of Comanche and Apache descent, was celebrated for his authentic and dignified portrayal of Native American characters in film and television. He joined King of the Hill in its second season, taking over the role of John Redcorn after the untimely death of Victor Aaron. Joss continued in the role until the show concluded, becoming a standout character beloved by fans for his depth and dry humor.

He further gained recognition for his appearances in Parks and Recreation, where he portrayed Chief Ken Hotate, the witty and wise leader of the fictional Wamapoke tribe. His performance brought both levity and cultural insight to the series, earning him acclaim for delivering thoughtful representation in a comedic setting.

Beyond his work on screen, Joss was known as an advocate for accurate and respectful representation of Indigenous peoples in media. He often used his platform to challenge stereotypes and push for greater inclusion of Native American voices in Hollywood.

Joss had also been involved in the reboot of King of the Hill, which is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on August 4, 2025. Just days before his death, he appeared at a promotional event in Austin, Texas, where he participated in a panel discussion and shared his excitement for the show’s return.

His untimely death has shocked fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have taken to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to his life and work. Tributes have poured in praising Joss not just for his professional contributions, but for the heroism and selflessness he demonstrated in his final moments.

As investigations continue, the entertainment world mourns the loss of a trailblazer — a man who used his voice to champion Native identity and whose final act was one of courage, love, and sacrifice.

Jonathan Joss leaves behind a legacy that will endure through the characters he portrayed, the causes he championed, and the lives he touched, both on and off screen.