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Jonathan Joss deserved better. 

  • Writer: josiah.
    josiah.
  • Jun 7
  • 5 min read
A beloved actor and musician of Native American ancestry. Jonathan Joss deserved better. Rest in peace, 1965–2025.
A beloved actor and musician of Native American ancestry. Jonathan Joss deserved better. Rest in peace, 1965–2025.

Content warning: this post includes mention of violence, homophobia, and death.


On June 1, 2025, actor Jonathan Joss was shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas. You might recognize him as the voice of John Redcorn from King of the Hill, or as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. Joss’s roles brought more than humor and presence. For many, they were the first time Native representation was handled with any care on television.

But beyond his filmography was someone who was taken far too soon.


Joss was 59 years old, living in San Antonio with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Earlier this year, their house was destroyed in a fire that also killed their dogs. One can only imagine how heartbreaking it is to lose their home and family like that, but it didn’t stop there. They didn’t believe it was an accident. They believed they were being targeted simply because they were gay.


In the days leading up to his death, Jonathan made a surprise appearance at the King of the Hill panel during the ATX TV Festival. He wasn’t invited to speak but took the opportunity during the Q&A session to share his experiences. TikTok creator @nosybystanders breaks down the moment in a well-researched video that includes footage from the panel itself. Joss talked about the fire that destroyed their home and said he believed it was a targeted attack because of his sexuality. Witnesses say he appeared vulnerable and emotional. Shortly after, he was escorted out of the venue. Fans later criticized the show’s creators for how the moment was handled, especially in light of the tribute they posted after his death, which many felt came off as inadequate or dismissive.


Jonathan Joss died feeling like his voice didn’t matter. The day before he was killed, Joss recorded a live interview on the Bwaaa! The King of the Hill Podcast. He spoke about his career, the loss of his home, and his struggles with addiction. At one point, he said,


“The worst thing about not existing in the world is someone ignoring you when they have taken from your culture.”

On the day he passed, Jonathan and Tristan returned to the lot where their home had once stood. They were checking for mail when they found the remains of one of their dogs still on the property. That’s when a neighbor, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, came outside and confronted them. Things quickly escalated, as Alvarez allegedly shouted homophobic slurs before pulling out a gun and shooting Jonathan multiple times. The only reason Tristan survived is because Jonathan pushed him out of the way.


Alvarez was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. He has since been released on bond and placed under full house arrest. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for August 19. At first, police said there wasn’t enough evidence to consider it a hate crime. That statement was later walked back. The police chief admitted it was premature. The investigation remains open. Hate crime charges are still on the table.


Not only is all of this horrifying, it was preventable. And Jonathan was let down. Reports show police had been called to the couple’s home over sixty times in less than two years, often for noise complaints, disturbances, or mental health concerns. Not sixteen. Sixty. But despite everything, no real action was taken. Jonathan believed something was wrong. He tried to speak up. Still, nothing changed. Now it’s too late. He’s gone.


Jonathan had just finished voice work for the upcoming King of the Hill revival on Hulu. At 59, he was still working. Still creating. Still showing up in spaces that haven’t always welcomed people like him. He was known for his kindness, his humor, his openness. And still, he was targeted. It wasn’t just the roles he played that made Jonathan Joss stand out. He made people feel seen. Not just in his communities, but all over the world. And whether he did or not, he still should have been safe.


It shouldn’t take a tragedy for people to start paying attention.


Jonathan Joss gave life to characters that stayed with people. For some of us, he was part of the first time we saw Native stories on TV that weren’t built around stereotypes. His death is a reminder that being visible doesn’t mean being protected. Even the most recognizable voices can be silenced by hate. Since his death, there has been grief and anger across Native and LGBTQ+ communities. Rightfully so. His presence meant something. He deserved so, so much better.


If you want to honor Jonathan Joss, learn about Indigenous voices in the entertainment industry. Support organizations that protect LGBTQ+ people of color. His story shouldn’t be forgotten, and the systems that failed him shouldn’t be ignored.


Let’s not wait until another tragedy happens to someone simply for existing.


Learn More About Indigenous Representation in Media

IllumiNative - A Native woman-led initiative dedicated to changing the narrative about Native peoples in American media.

Native Media Network - Supports and uplifts Native voices through digital storytelling and advocacy.

Vision Maker Media - Public media organization funding and distributing Indigenous-created film and television projects.

Support for LGBTQ+ People of Color

GLAAD’s LGBTQ+ Resources - A comprehensive hub of mental health, legal, and community support for those who are queer.

National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) - Federal public policy and community empowerment for Black LGBTQ+/SGL people.

Transgender Law Center - The largest trans-led organization in the U.S., advocates for equity and justice across race and gender identity.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Resource

NIWRC.org - A resource hub to raise awareness and action around the ongoing MMIP crisis.


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