Jonathan Joss was a well-known Native American actor, admired for bringing honesty and heart to the roles he played. Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, he belonged to the Comanche and White Mountain Apache tribes. Throughout his career, Joss worked hard to represent Native American people in a respectful and meaningful way on screen.
2. Early Life and Background
Jonathan grew up in San Antonio, where he was surrounded by the traditions of his Native American roots. He went to McCollum High School, then studied theater and speech at Our Lady of the Lake University. His heritage and early life experiences helped shape the roles he chose in his acting career, always aiming to honor his culture.
3. Acting Career Highlights
Jonathan Joss had a career that lasted over 30 years, with roles in both TV and film. He stood out for choosing characters that shared Native American stories and identities.
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- Iconic Role John Redcorn in King of the Hill
One of his most famous roles was John Redcorn, a Native American healer, in the animated series King of the Hill. His voice acting added personality and depth to the character. This role also helped bring attention to how Native Americans are portrayed in media, starting important conversations.
- Funny and Smart Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation
Another fan-favorite role was Ken Hotate, the smart and witty leader of the fictional Wamapoke tribe in Parks and Recreation. Joss used humor to point out how Native American communities have been treated in the past, all while making people laugh.
4. Other TV Shows and Films
Jonathan Joss acted in several well-known shows and movies. Some of his notable appearances include:
- The Magnificent Seven (2016)
- True Grit (2010)
- Walker, Texas Ranger
- Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Each time, he brought strength and authenticity to his characters.
5. Voice Acting and Video Games
Joss also did voice acting for popular video games. His voice added a layer of realism to the games, especially when portraying Native American characters. He was featured in:
- Days Gone
- Ghost Recon: Wildlands
- Red Dead Redemption 2
His voice work was praised for being genuine and powerful.
6. Personal Life and Interests
Off-screen, Jonathan Joss had a passion for cooking. He loved making spices inspired by Native American cuisine. In February 2025, he married Tristan Kern de Gonzales. The couple shared a strong bond and supported each other in every aspect of life.
7. House Fire Tragedy in San Antonio
In January 2025, a heartbreaking fire destroyed Joss’s childhood home in San Antonio. He and his husband lost not only their house and personal belongings but also three beloved dogs. This incident deeply impacted both of them and marked a painful moment in their lives.
8. Tragic Death of Jonathan Joss
On June 1, 2025, Jonathan Joss was fatally shot outside his former home in San Antonio. The accused, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor, was arrested and charged with murder. According to Joss’s husband, the shooting came after months of harassment. Joss had stepped in to protect his partner during the attack, showing his bravery in his final moments.
9. Tributes from Co-stars and Fans
After his death, tributes came pouring in. Fellow actors, creators, and fans expressed their sadness and love. Chris Pratt, who worked with him in Parks and Recreation, called him “a kind and genuine person.” Creators of King of the Hill and members of the Native American community also honored Joss for his work and his efforts to improve representation in the media.
10. Jonathan Joss’s Legacy
Jonathan Joss will always be remembered as a pioneer for Native American actors. He played important characters with respect, care, and cultural truth. His work helped open doors for more Native voices in Hollywood and inspired many to follow in his footsteps.
11. Complete Filmography
1. Movies
- 8 Seconds (1994)
- Almost Heroes (1998)
- Christmas in the Clouds (2001)
- True Grit (2010)
- The Magnificent Seven (2016)
2. Television
- Walker, Texas Ranger
- Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
- King of the Hill (1998–2009, 2025)
- Parks and Recreation (2011–2015)
- Tulsa King
3. Video Games
- Days Gone
- Ghost Recon: Wildlands
- Red Dead Redemption 2
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Was Jonathan Joss Native American?
Yes, he was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent.
Q2: What was his most famous role?
His best-known role was John Redcorn in King of the Hill.
Q3: Did he appear in Tulsa King?
Yes, he was part of the cast of Tulsa King.
Q4: What happened to his house?
In January 2025, a fire destroyed his home and took the lives of three dogs.
Q5: Who was arrested in connection with his death?
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor, was arrested and charged with murder.
Q6: Did he have any children?
There is no public record of him having children.
Q7: What was Jonathan Joss’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly known.
Q8: Was he active on social media?
Yes, he engaged with fans on Instagram and other platforms.
Q9: Was his death considered a hate crime?
The investigation is still ongoing; police have not officially labeled it as a hate crime.
Q10: How is he being remembered?
He’s being honored through tributes from actors, fans, and the Native community, all celebrating his impact on representation and storytelling.
13. Conclusion
Jonathan Joss lived a life full of passion, purpose, and pride in his heritage. He not only entertained audiences but also worked to break stereotypes and improve how Native American stories are told. His powerful performances and heartfelt roles have left behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generation.
