The Jonathan Joss Case: What the Drama Reveals

The character of John Redcorn in King of the Hill offered Jonathan Joss an iconic role. He inherited the character after the tragic death of the first voice actor, Victor Aaron, in 1996. Joss transformed this voice into a symbol of Native American pride in a series often marked by an ironic tone. He was preparing a reboot of the series shortly before his death.

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Jonathan Joss, a 59-year-old Native American actor, was shot dead in San Antonio, Texas. His partner, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, survived thanks to a final act of bravery. According to his statements, the assailant allegedly shouted homophobic slurs before opening fire. The incident occurred in front of the couple’s former home, which had been set on fire a few months earlier under suspicious circumstances.

An Attack with Hateful Undertones

According to Tristan Kern’s testimony, a man approached them while they were collecting their mail. He insulted them and then fired. Jonathan Joss, according to his husband, pushed him to protect him. He was shot multiple times and died instantly. The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, 56, a neighbor, was quickly arrested. He had previously been involved in several conflicts with the victim.

This calm and steady gaze was his signature. Jonathan Joss described himself as an
This calm and steady gaze was his signature. Jonathan Joss described himself as an “actor by duty,” to make forgotten Indigenous voices visible. Outside the studios, he sang in his band Red Corn Band, with blues and tribal accents. His discretion contrasted with the strength of his commitments.

The Investigation Divides

The San Antonio police urge caution. In a statement, they indicate that no evidence at this stage allows the incident to be classified as a hate crime. However, the couple’s past, marked by threats and a deadly fire, fuels suspicions. Three dogs perished in the fire at their home in January. The actor had then reported homophobic harassment to the authorities, without any follow-up.

A Discreet Activist, a Powerful Voice

Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and Apache descent. He dedicated his career to representing Native Americans in cinema. He is best known for playing John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. He also appeared in the Coen brothers’ True Grit and The Magnificent Seven.

Jonathan Joss often wore simple shirts in natural colors. He claimed that each piece of clothing was a subtle tribute to his Comanche and Apache ancestors. In this photo, he had just spoken about a cultural project aimed at young indigenous people. A few months later, his voice would be abruptly silenced.
Jonathan Joss often wore simple shirts in natural colors. He claimed that each piece of clothing was a subtle tribute to his Comanche and Apache ancestors. In this photo, he had just spoken about a cultural project aimed at young indigenous people. A few months later, his voice would be abruptly silenced.

A Career Guided by Culture

An actor and musician, Joss was a member of the Red Corn Band, in homage to his iconic character. He took over the role of John Redcorn in 1996 after the original voice actor, Victor Aaron, passed away. Until his last days, he was working on the reboot of the series, scheduled for August 2025 on Hulu. Just hours before his death, he appeared in a video, enthusiastic about this return.

A Relationship Recently Made Public

Jonathan Joss married Tristan Kern de Gonzales on February 14, 2025. The couple lived in San Antonio and faced a hostile environment. According to Gonzales, neighbors had been verbally assaulting them for two years. Despite several reports, no preventive measures were taken. This police inaction is now being criticized by many voices on social media.

A Mourning Community

The announcement of Jonathan Joss’s death sparked a wave of emotion. Figures from the film industry, LGBTQ+ activists, and Native American leaders paid tribute to his memory. All highlight his cultural commitment, his discretion, and his humanity. For Tristan Kern, it is a time for mourning but also for justice. He wishes to "protect his husband’s legacy" and "honor the life they built together."

On stage or in the studio, Jonathan Joss blended music and communication. He dreamed of a Red Corn Festival to create a dialogue between tribal cultures and contemporary music. This image, captured during a rehearsal, shows his commitment to the performing arts. A commitment he shared with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales.
On stage or in the studio, Jonathan Joss blended music and communication. He dreamed of a Red Corn Festival to create a dialogue between tribal cultures and contemporary music. This image, captured during a rehearsal, shows his commitment to the performing arts. A commitment he shared with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales.

A Revealing Tragedy

This murder raises the question of the safety of homosexual couples, particularly in conservative states like Texas. It also questions the handling of harassment reports by authorities. As the investigation continues, the artistic community demands truth and recognition. Jonathan Joss’s fight, who died a hero according to his husband, becomes the fight of all those who refuse hate.