Just two days before his tragic death, longtime “King of the Hill” voice actor Jonathan Joss made an unexpected appearance at a panel for the show’s revival during the ATX TV Festival in Austin. His unscheduled presence—and emotional speech—stunned both fans and creators in the room.

The panel was designed to be an intimate gathering, featuring series creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, along with voice actors Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill), Toby Huss (now voicing Dale Gribble), and Lauren Tom (Connie). Joss, who voiced John Redcorn, had not been invited to speak at the event.

However, Joss was present in the audience. As the discussion turned to the late Johnny Hardwick—who had voiced the conspiracy-loving Dale Gribble before his death in 2023—Joss suddenly approached the stage. The microphones set up for audience questions weren’t live yet, as that segment hadn’t started. Still, he stepped forward.

Panel moderator and co-creator Greg Daniels acknowledged him: “There’s Jonathan Joss, who plays John Redcorn.”

Initially, it seemed like Joss simply wanted to pay tribute. “You were talking about Johnny, and I want to say something about him,” he began. But his tone quickly shifted.

Joss expressed frustration about being told by a staffer he couldn’t stand near the microphone. “This young man said I couldn’t stand over there,” Joss said. “I guess he didn’t know that my land’s already gone. He said the mic wasn’t going to be used. And I’m an actor. I see a mic, I use it. I see a wrong, I make it right. I want to breathe.”

He referenced a fire that had recently destroyed his San Antonio home. “Our house burnt down three months ago… because I’m gay,” he declared, adding layers of personal trauma to the moment. As the audience grew tense and confused, one person blurted out “Dammit, Bobby!” in character—a surreal moment that only added to the awkwardness.

Then Joss quoted a Redcorn song: “There’s a hole in my pocket where my money should go!” He paused, seemingly caught between passion and performance, before concluding with praise for Hardwick: “Johnny, he gave you guys a character, because he is that character. He is that person.”

Rather than have him escorted out, the creators let Joss speak, opting not to involve security. He left the mic and walked out quietly, with no further disruption. The panel continued without the planned Q&A session. Instead, the audience was treated to another clip from the revival, and the event concluded with voice impressions by Judge and Adlon.

Backstage, cast and crew agreed they had made the right call by allowing Joss to speak. But no one could have predicted what would come next.

Two days later, Jonathan Joss was dead.

Joss was best known for his portrayal of John Redcorn, a character he voiced for over a dozen seasons. He was set to return for the new installment of “King of the Hill,” making his death even more tragic for longtime fans and collaborators.

“Jonathan Joss brought King of the Hill’s ‘John Redcorn’ to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival,” read a joint statement by Judge, Daniels, and executive producer Saladin Patterson. “His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”

Despite some early reports, Joss was not upset about being excluded from the show’s upcoming season. Rather, his frustration stemmed from not being invited to participate in the panel.

The details surrounding his death remain unclear. Joss had reportedly been involved in a long-standing dispute with his neighbor in San Antonio, where he lived with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. According to NBC News, police were called to the property more than 50 times over the past year, many logged as “disturbances.”

San Antonio police have since arrested Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a neighbor, in connection with the homicide. Authorities have not confirmed a motive, though Joss’ husband has stated he believes the killing was a hate crime.

Joss’ sudden and violent death has prompted calls for more support around community safety and hate crime enforcement. The incident highlights growing concerns in both the LGBTQ+ and entertainment communities about harassment and personal safety.

The new season of “King of the Hill” is scheduled to address several real-life losses. According to producers, Episode 6 will feature a tribute to Johnny Hardwick, marking his final appearance as Dale Gribble. Toby Huss will take over the role thereafter.

As for Joss, it’s not yet confirmed if a similar on-screen memorial will be added. However, fans and cast members alike are hopeful the show will find a meaningful way to honor his long-standing contribution.

Executive producer Saladin Patterson told Variety that the creative team found subtle, respectful ways to acknowledge the loss of other cast members like Brittany Murphy (Luanne) and Tom Petty (Lucky). “We found opportunities to let them be referenced in the show, I feel, in a very respectful way,” he said.

Joss’ public outburst at the panel may have been awkward, but in hindsight, it reads as a cry for help. His comments, though disjointed, spoke to displacement, grief, identity, and marginalization—all issues that deserve deeper examination in today’s cultural climate.

The situation also draws attention to how the entertainment industry manages inclusion, particularly for Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and veteran actors. Many fans knew Joss as more than a voice actor. He was a performer who brought depth and dignity to a character that might otherwise have been reduced to stereotype.

As the industry moves forward with reboots and revivals, questions about representation and equity continue to surface. Joss’ legacy now lives in both his contributions and the complex conversations his final days have ignited.