King of the Hill Revival Pays Poignant Tribute to Jonathan Joss
I’m Maya Rivers, and in the hush of the final scene, a sigh of remembrance drifts through the air, painting our screens with gentle sorrow. The new revival of King of the Hill concluded its fourteenth season with an onscreen homage that immortalizes the late voice actor Jonathan Joss, who brought John Redcorn to life for over a decade.
On August 4, Hulu released the animated sitcom’s full revival, culminating in a heartfelt tribute that read “In Loving Memory… JONATHAN JOSS” beneath a montage of photos showing Joss smiling both as himself and as his iconic character. This visual elegy arrived just months after news broke that the 59-year-old actor was fatally shot outside his San Antonio home on June 1. People magazine reports that authorities found Joss lying near the roadway after a neighbor dispute allegedly turned violent, resulting in the arrest of Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez. New York Post coverage noted Alvarez secured release on a $200,000 bail bond the following day.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has spoken publicly about the possibility of a homophobic hate crime, claiming Alvarez hurled slurs and mocked his declaration of love. The San Antonio Police Department first stated there was no evidence linking the murder to sexual orientation, only to have Chief William McManus later apologize for the premature comment. “We shouldn’t have done it,” McManus said at a press conference, adding that detectives continue to pursue every lead to uncover the full circumstances of Joss’ senseless death.
Jonathan Joss joined King of the Hill after Victor Aaron’s tragic car crash in 1996 and voiced John Redcorn through the show’s original run until 2009. Fans were thrilled when the revival brought back the beloved character, yet Joss’ presence at promotional events grew tense. People notes that just two days before his death, he was escorted from an ATX TV Festival panel in Austin after attempting to speak with co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. Those same creators expressed their grief on Instagram, stating they extend “deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family” and that his voice will echo in every episode he touched.
In this season finale’s closing moments, viewers are reminded of both the laughter Joss inspired and the tragedy that cut his creative journey short. This tribute underscores the fragile line between the world of animated comedy and the raw realities of life. As fans replay favorite John Redcorn moments, the new episodes serve as an enduring promise that Joss’ spirit remains woven into the series’ heart.
And so, the final frame fades not in silence but in reverent applause for a man who gave voice to a character beloved by millions. May this tribute stand as proof that art can immortalize the souls behind the laughter.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
