Jonathan Joss Gonzales (December 22, 1965 – June 1, 2025) was a celebrated American actor and musician, widely recognized for his role as the voice of John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill and for portraying Chief Ken Hotate on the comedy series Parks and Recreation. In addition to his acting career, he was an accomplished musician and led The Red Corn Band.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Jonathan Joss Gonzales |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Tristan Kern de Gonzales |
| Children | N/A |
| Date of Death | June 1, 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan developed a passion for drama and music during his time at McCollum High School. He briefly attended Texas State University–San Marcos but did not complete his studies there.
Later, he enrolled at San Antonio College and earned a degree in theater and speech from Our Lady of the Lake University, which helped shape his future career in the performing arts.
Career
Jonathan’s acting career began in the early 1990s with appearances in films such as 8 Seconds and the TV mini-series Dead Man’s Walk. He also guest-starred in popular television shows like Walker, Texas Ranger, ER, and Charmed.
In 1997, following the passing of Victor Aaron, Jonathan took over the role of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, a character he voiced until the show’s end in 2010 and reprised for its recent revival.
From 2011 to 2015, he played Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation. Alongside acting, Jonathan pursued music, fronting The Red Corn Band.
Personal Life
Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache heritage. He was married to Tristan Kern de Gonzales.
In early 2025, he faced personal tragedy when his home and pets were destroyed in a fire following anonymous threats. Despite these hardships, he remained dedicated to his craft and personal life.
Death
On June 1, 2025, Jonathan Joss was tragically killed in a shooting during a confrontation with a neighbor in San Antonio, Texas. The incident reportedly involved the use of homophobic slurs directed at him.
His husband was present during the attack. His death occurred shortly after attending a King of the Hill cast reunion and sharing excitement about the show’s reboot on social media. The suspect was arrested soon after the incident.
Filmography
Jonathan’s extensive body of work includes:
- Voice of John Redcorn in King of the Hill
- Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation
- Roles in 8 Seconds (1994) and Dead Man’s Walk (TV mini-series)
- Guest appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger, ER, and Charmed
- Featured in The Magnificent Seven (2016) and Abduction of the Fourth Kind (2022)
- Voice work in video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Days Gone
Legacy
Jonathan Joss is remembered for his authentic and respectful portrayals of Native American characters, helping to increase representation in mainstream media.
His talent, resilience, and advocacy earned him admiration from fans and colleagues alike. His untimely passing was met with widespread mourning, celebrating his contributions to entertainment and culture.
