Jonathan Joss ‘Actor’ Biography: Early Life, Career, Movies, Wife, Death & Net Worth
Jonathan Joss (December 22, 1965–June 1, 2025) was an American actor and musician of Native American descent. He was most known for playing Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation and giving the voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill.
He was well known for his portrayal of John Redcorn in King of the Hill (Seasons 2-13) and his iconic performance as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Rec. His filmography includes roles in True Grit (2010) and The Magnificent Seven (2016).
Beyond entertainment, he dabbled in entrepreneurship by developing his own line of spice rubs. In 2025, he marries Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Tragically, at the age of 59, he was shot and killed in his hometown of San Antonio.
Jonathan Joss Biography
Jonathan Joss Gonzales was born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, to William and Mary Tsosie Joss. He grew up in a family that observed traditional Native American spirituality while also incorporating parts of Christianity. Joss kept his personal life quiet, nothing is known about his siblings.
Growing up in San Antonio, he was exposed to his cultural heritage, which influenced his early interest in performance. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio with a degree in theatre and speech, paving the way for his acting and voice-over career.
Career
In 1994, he appeared in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger. Joss voiced John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill from seasons 2 to 13, replacing the original actor Victor Aaron after he died in 1996.
He also played the recurring role of Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation. Joss was a musician who performed with The Red Corn Band, named after the character he played on King of the Hill. In later seasons, inspired by Joss’s off-screen performances, King of the Hill writers created the fictional band Big Mountain Fudgecake, which Joss’s character leads.
He wrote the songs “Boogey Man” and “Still No Good” for the Graywolf Blues Band’s CD Dancing in the Rain. Joss began her spice rub business in 2011. Before his death in June 2025, Joss had returned to the King of the Hill revival series and had begun recording.
On June 1, just hours before his death, he posted an Instagram video of himself wandering around Austin, mentioning that he had already recorded lines for four King of the Hill episodes.
He was in the process of writing a Western graphic novel called Two Sides to Every Coin when he died. On August 4, 2025, new episodes of King of the Hill debuted on Hulu, with Joss reprising his role as John Redcorn.
Jonathan Joss Movies
- 8 Seconds
- Texas Commanche
- Almost Heroes
- Impala
- Christmas in the Clouds
- Johnson Family Vacation
- True Grit
- The Magnificent Seven Denali
- Grow Up
Controversy and Death
On June 1, 2025, Jonathan Joss was fatally shot on his property in San Antonio, Texas, during an argument with a neighbour, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who was charged with murder.
His husband claimed the shooting was a homophobic hate crime, claiming years of persecution and threats because of their sexual orientation, including discovering the skull of one of their dogs at the site of their former home, which was burnt down in January 2025.
However, the San Antonio Police Department indicated that their investigation found no evidence to imply that Joss’ death was tied to her sexual orientation, the case is still ongoing.
Jonathan Joss Wife
He married Tristan Kern de Gonzales on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, which is his only known marriage. There is no public record that he had any children.
Jonathan Joss Net Worth
Jonathan Joss, the renowned voice actor best known for his role as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, died in June 2025 with an estimated net worth of $1 million. His earnings stemmed from his successful voice acting career and his entrepreneurial venture, which included the creation of a line of spice rubs inspired by his character.
Social Media
Instagram: @originalredcorn (Suspended)