Fans remember beloved 'John Redcorn' character after Jonathan Joss shot dead
Jonathan Joss, known to millions as the voice behind the stoic yet soulful John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed Sunday during a reported altercation with a neighbour.
As news of his passing rippled across the internet, fans responded with raw emotion and vivid memories—recalling the iconic moments that made Redcorn one of the show's most enduring characters.
The fan tributes, flooding Reddit threads and X timelines, paint a mosaic of appreciation not only for the animated character, but for the man behind the voice.
“There’s a hole in my heart where you used to go,” one fan wrote, invoking Redcorn’s metal band, Big Mountain Fudgecake, as a lyrical farewell.
Another user shared, “I’m not really a praying man, but I truly hope Jonathan is at peace,” referencing the actor’s public struggle earlier this year after losing his home and two dogs in a devastating San Antonio fire.
Jonathan Joss wasn’t just Redcorn. Fans also remembered him as Chief Ken Hotate from Parks and Recreation, a character Joss imbued with humour and quiet power.
“As good as his performance as John Redcorn was, he stole every scene on Parks and Rec,” one post read.
You were a real one John Redcorn. pic.twitter.com/WcEjpqEQmb
Over the years, the King of the Hill subreddit has become something of a shrine to the show’s quotable quirks and character complexities, and Joss’ John Redcorn has often been a focal point.
Whether it’s his complicated relationship with Nancy Gribble or his understated existential musings—like dreading his 40th birthday or being picked last in a game of kickball—fans have long celebrated his scenes with affection.
The timing of Joss' death is particularly bitter for longtime viewers.
One of the all-time great John Redcorn-Dale scenes.
Rest in peace, Jonathan Joss.
Rest in peace, Johnny Hardwick. pic.twitter.com/0cr7GJePRIHe had recently spoken out about being “shut out” of the upcoming King of the Hill revival, a snub that now resonates with deeper finality. “He should’ve been there,” one fan wrote. “Now he never will be.”
As tributes continue to pour in and memes give way to memories, it’s clear that Jonathan Joss left a mark that extends far beyond animated borders.
He was a layered performer, a voice that resonated through satire and sadness alike.
John Redcorn was pretty much the only contemporary Native representation I had in comedy growing up. Probably the funniest Native character in cartoon history and a lot of that was on Jonathan Joss' pitch perfect rezzy uncle performance. RIP to one of the best to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/5uEnYikeEC
And in the words of Redcorn himself—through a fictional rock band—he leaves behind “a hole in the heart” of pop culture.