Chris Pratt mourns Jonathan Joss death after Parks and Recreation co-star fatally shot in San Antonio
Actor Chris Pratt has paid tribute to his Parks and Recreation co-star Jonathan Joss following news of the actor's death in a fatal shooting in San Antonio, Texas. Joss, best known for portraying Chief Ken Hotate in five episodes of the NBC sitcom between 2011 and 2015, was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday, June 1. He was 59.
Chris Pratt reacts to the loss of 'Parks and Recreation' co-star Jonathan Joss:
'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.' pic.twitter.com/S1i2Ce95nA
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 3, 2025
Joss was also widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn on the long-running animated series King of the Hill. In addition to their work on Parks and Recreation, Pratt and Joss appeared together in the 2016 film The Magnificent Seven, where Joss played an exiled Comanche warrior and Pratt was one of the titular Seven.
Reacting to the news, Pratt shared a message on his Instagram Story: 'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.'
Nick Offerman, who played Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, also reflected on the loss, telling People magazine: 'The cast has been texting together about it all day and we're just heartbroken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.'
Joss's husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed in a Facebook post that the couple had been subjected to ongoing homophobic harassment in their neighborhood, including threats and a house fire. He alleged they had received repeated warnings that their home would be set on fire. However, the San Antonio Police Department stated there is currently 'no evidence to indicate Mr. Joss' murder was related to his sexual orientation.'
As the investigation continues, friends and colleagues are remembering Joss for his kindness and significant contributions to television and film.
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Chris Pratt mourns Jonathan Joss death after Parks and Recreation co-star fatally shot in San Antonio
Actor Chris Pratt has paid tribute to his Parks and Recreation co-star Jonathan Joss following news of the actor's death in a fatal shooting in San Antonio, Texas. Joss, best known for portraying Chief Ken Hotate in five episodes of the NBC sitcom between 2011 and 2015, was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday, June 1. He was 59. Chris Pratt reacts to the loss of 'Parks and Recreation' co-star Jonathan Joss: 'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.' — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 3, 2025 Joss was also widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn on the long-running animated series King of the Hill. In addition to their work on Parks and Recreation, Pratt and Joss appeared together in the 2016 film The Magnificent Seven, where Joss played an exiled Comanche warrior and Pratt was one of the titular Seven. Reacting to the news, Pratt shared a message on his Instagram Story: 'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.' Nick Offerman, who played Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, also reflected on the loss, telling People magazine: 'The cast has been texting together about it all day and we're just heartbroken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.' Joss's husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed in a Facebook post that the couple had been subjected to ongoing homophobic harassment in their neighborhood, including threats and a house fire. He alleged they had received repeated warnings that their home would be set on fire. However, the San Antonio Police Department stated there is currently 'no evidence to indicate Mr. Joss' murder was related to his sexual orientation.' As the investigation continues, friends and colleagues are remembering Joss for his kindness and significant contributions to television and film.
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John Redcorn: Fans pour in tribute for beloved character after Jonathan Joss fatally shot
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. — ★Griffin Hawkins★ (@WhammehBar) June 2, 2025 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. — Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) June 2, 2025 He 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. — Joey Clift (@joeytainment) June 2, 2025 And in the words of Redcorn himself—through a fictional rock band—he leaves behind 'a hole in the heart' of pop culture.
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Jonathan Joss' husband speaks out after 'King of the Hill' actor is fatally shot outside home
Following the death of actor Jonathan Joss on June 1, his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has shared new details on Facebook, claiming the fatal shooting followed 'years of threats' due to their sexuality. Joss was 59. The incident took place near their former home in San Antonio, Texas. Gonzales stated they were at the property to check mail when they found remains of one of their dogs left out, causing 'severe emotional distress.' While grieving, he said a man approached, shouted 'violent homophobic slurs,' and then 'raised a gun from his lap and fired.' Joss, according to Gonzales, pushed him aside, saving his life. The couple had married earlier in 2025. Gonzales claimed that their home was burned down following repeated threats. 'Throughout that time we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship,' he wrote. 'Much of the harassment was openly homophobic.' The San Antonio Police Department confirmed Joss was found near the roadway and declared dead at the scene. A suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, has been arrested and charged with murder. Joss, known for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, was set to return for the upcoming revival of the former. His husband said: 'Jonathan saved my life. I will protect what he built.'
