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‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot at 59: Neighbor Arrested for Murder
The entertainment world is reeling after the tragic death of Jonathan Joss, best known as the voice of John Redcorn in the hit animated series King of the Hill. The 59-year-old actor was fatally shot outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday evening, June 1.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, officers responded to a reported shooting in progress around 7:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Joss lying near the roadway in front of his residence. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities have arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, a neighbor of Joss, in connection with the shooting. He was detained shortly after fleeing the scene and has since been booked on murder charges. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though officials confirmed the two men were acquainted.
News of Joss’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the fan community. Known widely for his iconic portrayal of John Redcorn, Joss joined King of the Hill in Season 3 after the death of the original actor, Victor Aaron. His unique voice and portrayal helped make the character a lasting part of the show’s cultural legacy.
Joss was set to reprise his role in the much-anticipated Hulu revival of King of the Hill, which is scheduled to debut this August. The actor had already begun recording for the reboot and had recently attended the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas. At the event, he joined co-stars Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss to discuss the upcoming series alongside new writer Saladin K. Patterson.
Just hours before his tragic death, Joss shared a video on Instagram, excitedly announcing that “the reboot is up and moving” while walking around downtown Austin. The Instagram post has since been flooded with comments from devastated fans and industry peers expressing shock and grief.
Beyond King of the Hill, Joss had a rich career in television and film. He appeared in memorable roles such as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, and held parts in Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven. His work often highlighted Indigenous representation in mainstream media—a legacy many say must now be honored and preserved.
With the investigation ongoing and tributes pouring in, fans await updates on how the Hulu revival will address his passing. For now, Jonathan Joss is remembered not only as a talented voice actor but as a beloved presence in television history.