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With his long and varied career, Jonathan Joss made a strong mark on American entertainment. Joss became known for being authentic, adaptable and courageous on screen and off, by singing famous songs in animations and featuring in leading roles in TV dramas.
When he died in 2025, his fans were stunned, but his contributions abroad, in TV, film, gaming, music and advocacy were remembered. Now, Joss, a well-known Native American actor and activist, is being recognized for both what he did artistically and for how he stood up for his rights.
Voice Acting Greatness: The Legacy of John Redcorn
Jonathan Joss made a name for himself nationally with his part as John Redcorn in the series “King of the Hill.” Through the seasons and all the way up to the finale, Joss added warm humor, irony and cultural jokes to the way he acted as the character.
In 2025, Joss’s character made a special cameo in the show’s comeback, allowing him to reengage with longtime fans and introduce himself to a new generation which happened shortly before he died.
Television Versatility: From Sitcoms to Crime Dramas
Not limited to animation, Joss Whedon had a great impact on live-action television.
The role of Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation” included jokes, but also serious comments about how Native people are shown in media. Next, he appeared in roles on shows including “Ray Donovan” and “Tulsa King” that showed his ability to avoid being typecast.
He also made recurring appearances in shows, letting audiences see how skillful and emotional his work could be, in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “ER,” and “Friday Night Lights.”
Silver Screen Highlights: Collaborations with Hollywood Giants
In films, Joss appeared in main characters that were central to changing cultural norms. The Coen Brothers cast him in “True Grit” (2010) and Antoine Fuqua in “The Magnificent Seven” (2016), both allowing him to display his heritage and add importance to the films.
Because of these films, Indigenous characters in Hollywood started to be portrayed honestly and with dignity.
Impact in the Gaming Industry
Joss added his special touch to gaming by voicing characters in well-known video games including:
- Red Dead Redemption
- Days Gone
- Cyberpunk 2077
He helped video games integrate with established stories which introduced more culture to the overlooked world of gaming.
A Passionate Advocate for Cultural Representation
As well as entertaining films, Joss advocated for better representation of Native Americans in the media. He ensured that Indigenous people were represented authentically and politely on television programs and told TV teams how to accomplish that.
Music and Entrepreneurship
In addition to films, Joss sang with The Red Corn Band, mixing old and new music to speak of who they are and how tough they are.
In the year 2011, he introduced his own line of BBQ spice products called “King of the Grill,” demonstrating how he combines entrepreneurship and the retelling of cultural food histories.
Mentor and Community Leader
Many times, he worked in schools and community centers, encouraging young Native people interested in art. Building opportunities for people was what Joss understood as leaving a legacy.
A Final Act of Bravery
A true picture of Jonathan Joss’ character was revealed in the last moments of his life. As confirmed by reports, he died saving his husband while a shot was fired, showing how much strength he had as a human, not just as an artist.
When we remember Jonathan Joss, we remember a star who managed Hollywood’s challenges with pride, talent and honesty. He still influences us with his acting, the young directors he prepared and the wisdom he shared.
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