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Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed actor recognized for his diverse roles in "King of the Hill" and "Parks and Recreation," has tragically passed away at the age of 59. According to his husband, Joss was a victim of a homophobic hate crime, though Texas law enforcement has stated that there is no evidence to support this claim.

Throughout his extensive career, Joss made notable contributions across various genres and platforms, reinforcing positive representation of Native Americans on screen. One of his most remembered roles was in the animated sitcom "King of the Hill," where he voiced John Redcorn, a Native American "licensed New Age healer" who brought depth and cultural resonance to the show. Redcorn, involved in a complex storyline featuring a secret affair with Nancy Gribble, was also a character committed to his heritage and his people's struggles. The series originally aired from 1997 to 2010 and is set to return this August, reintroducing aged characters in new life scenarios.

Joss's contribution to "Parks and Recreation" as Chief Ken Hotate, the leader of a Native American tribe, is also fondly remembered. Known for his impeccable dress sense and sharp humor, Chief Hotate would often engage with Leslie Knope, the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation department of Pawnee. His character smartly navigated Native American stereotypes to highlight ongoing injustices and the importance of tribal ancestry. The show's creators used Joss's character with a clever self-awareness that enriched the narrative and provided critical commentary on the treatment of indigenous communities.

Dustin Tahmahkera, in his book "Tribal Television," described Joss's portrayal of indigenous characters as both groundbreaking and a stark reminder of the limited and often stereotypical representations in network television. According to Tahmahkera, the character of John Redcorn remains among the most evolved and nuanced indigenous characters in U.S. sitcom history, thanks to Joss's dedicated on- and off-screen work.

Samantha Sheppard, an associate professor at Cornell University, noted that Joss's role in "Parks and Recreation" made significant strides in addressing America’s historical injustices towards Native Americans through humor and clever scripting. This role, along with his others, paved the way for more indigenous storytelling on screen.

Jonathan Joss leaves behind a significant legacy as an actor who brought depth, humor, and authenticity to his roles, profoundly influencing the representation of Native Americans in media. His contributions will be remembered and cherished by audiences and communities alike.