Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 5, 2025 · Entertainment

King of the Hill Pays Tribute to Voice Actor Jonathan Joss in Dramatic Finale

Two months after his death, King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss was honored in the final episode of the adult animated sitcom revival, which started streaming Monday on Hulu/Disney+ (pictured May 31)

EXCLUSIVE: King of the Hill Revival Honors Late Voice Actor Jonathan Joss with Emotional Tribute Two Months After Tragic Murder!

The world was shocked when 59-year-old Texan native and beloved voice actor, Jonathan Joss, met his untimely demise on June 1st. The news sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, leaving fans of the iconic animated sitcom King of the Hill reeling in grief.

However, two months later, the show's revival has finally found a way to pay its respects to the dearly departed Jonathan Joss with an emotional tribute that will leave you speechless!

Episode 10 titled 'The Sound Investment' concluded with a title card of the Texan native - who was gunned down at age 59 on June 1 - which read: 'In Loving Memory... Jonathan Joss'

In a heartfelt nod to the late actor, the final episode of the revival, 'The Sound Investment', was dedicated to him. The episode titled card read: "In Loving Memory... Jonathan Joss." This poignant gesture was met with tears and applause from the cast, crew, and fans alike.

But what makes this tribute even more remarkable is that it wasn't just a simple acknowledgement of his passing. The show's creators took it one step further by featuring John Redcorn, the character voiced by Jonathan Joss, in a significant role throughout the episode! This added an extra layer of emotional depth to the already heartbreaking tribute.

"We wanted to do something special for him," explained Saladin K. Patterson, the showrunner behind the revival. "It was the episode that featured him the most, and we felt it was fitting considering his tragic passing was so recent. If there are future seasons, we will choose a way to address the Dale/Nancy/Redcorn love triangle that highlights the compassion that Jonathan always brought to the character."

Jonathan got to reprise his role as musician and healer John Redcorn (R) in the long-awaited revival during which Hank (M) & Peggy Hill invested in his new business venture, John Redcorn's Red Corns

But fans were not entirely pleased with the tribute in episode 7, which paid homage to Johnny Hardwick, who voiced Dale Gribble before his own untimely passing. Some felt that the gesture was insincere and more of a public relations stunt.

However, it seems that the show's creators have made amends with their latest tribute to Jonathan Joss. The episode has received widespread critical acclaim, with a "certified fresh" 100% critic approval rating (out of 29 reviews) and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes!

But what about justice for Jonathan Joss? Unfortunately, it seems that the case is still ongoing, with Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, the suspect behind his murder, claiming self-defense. Despite raising over $22K on GoFundMe, Jonathan's widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales has yet to announce any celebration of life memorial for him.

Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson (pictured July 25) explained to THR on Monday: 'It felt fitting because his tragic passing was so recent and the finale was the last episode produced. If there are future seasons, we will choose a way to address the Dale/Nancy/Redcorn love triangle that highlights the compassion that Jonathan always brought to the character'

As fans continue to mourn the loss of this talented voice actor, we can't help but wonder what could have been if he were still with us today. One thing is certain, though - his legacy lives on through the characters and episodes that brought joy to millions worldwide!

The Mysterious Case of Jonathan Joss

On June 1st, the entertainment world was shaken when news broke out about the tragic murder of 59-year-old voice actor Jonathan Joss. The charismatic Texan native had a reputation for being a kind and compassionate person, which is evident in his portrayal of John Redcorn on King of the Hill.

Fans were mostly unhappy with the King of the Hill executive producers' previous tribute to Joss on June 3, which they claim sounded like a 'statement you make when someone dies of a heart attack not a homophobic murder'

But what led to his untimely demise? As we delve deeper into the case, it becomes clear that nothing about this tragedy adds up. According to reports, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, Jonathan's neighbor, claimed self-defense in court. But fans are not buying it - many believe that this was a hate crime motivated by homophobia.

In an exclusive interview with KSAT on June 24th, Nico LaHood, the attorney for Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, defended his client's actions: "My client is innocent and has the support of their neighbors."

However, fans are not convinced. The lack of justice in this case only adds to the tragedy. As we wait with bated breath for a verdict, one thing remains certain - Jonathan Joss will always be remembered as a talented voice actor who left an indelible mark on the world of animation.

The King of the Hill revival - set 15 years later - currently has a 'certified fresh' 100% critic approval rating (out of 29 reviews) and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

What's Next?

Will there be more tributes to Jonathan Joss in future episodes of King of the Hill? Only time will tell. But for now, fans can take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the characters and stories he helped create.

As we continue to follow this heartbreaking story, one thing is clear: justice must be served. We hope that those responsible for Jonathan Joss' tragic murder are brought to account for their actions.

Meanwhile, a San Antonio judge has still not sentenced Jonathan's neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez (mugshot pictured) for his murder, which many believe was a homophobic hate crime, and he's currently on house arrest after paying $200K bail

Stay tuned for more updates on this case as it unfolds!

The 56-year-old suspect is claiming self-defense and his attorney Nico LaHood told KSAT on June 24 that his client is 'innocent' and 'has the support of their neighbors' (pictured May 28)

Despite raising over $22K on GoFundMe, Joss' widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales (pictured April 8) has still not announced any celebration of life memorial for him, which he promised fans back on June 10