Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in Potential Homophobic Attack, Dispute Over Hate Crime Motive
ICARO Media Group
****
Beloved actor Jonathan Joss, known for his roles in "King of the Hill" and "Parks and Recreation," has been tragically killed in a shooting incident. Joss, 59, was recognized for voicing John Redcorn in the long-running animated series "King of the Hill" and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in the sitcom "Parks and Recreation."
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, alleges the shooting was driven by homophobic hatred. Gonzales recounted that a man began shouting violent, homophobic slurs before opening fire while they were visiting the site of their former home in Texas. The couple's home had been destroyed in a fire in January, which Gonzales claimed was the result of over two years of threats from local individuals.
The incident occurred when the couple found the remains of one of their dogs at the site of their former home, which deeply distressed them. According to Gonzales, while they were mourning, a man approached and started yelling slurs before raising a gun and firing. Gonzales credits Joss with saving his life, stating that Joss pushed him out of the way during the attack.
Local police in Texas, however, have stated that their investigation has yet to find any evidence that indicates Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation. Despite online claims labeling the incident as a hate crime, the authorities have not corroborated these assertions.
The tragic news has left the entertainment community in shock. Nick Offerman, Joss’s co-actor on "Parks and Recreation," described Joss as "a sweet guy" and expressed the cast's collective heartbreak. Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, creators of "King of the Hill," extended their condolences and acknowledged Joss’s significant contribution to the show over a dozen seasons, including in its upcoming revival.
Joss was most recently seen in public at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas. He attended a "King of the Hill" panel, although he expressed sentiments of being left out for not being invited to participate. Despite this, Joss emphasized how much the character and the show meant to him personally and professionally.
Joss’s untimely death has cast a shadow over the entertainment world, highlighting ongoing issues of violence and discrimination faced by many. The investigation continues as friends, family, and fans remember Joss for his vibrant contributions to television and the warmth he brought into their lives.