Parks and Recreation Star Jay Jackson Reflects on Jonathan Joss' 'Terrible Tragedy'

The man behind the lovably inept newsman Perd Hapley is breaking his silence on a loss that's shaken the Pawnee family. Jay Jackson, a fan-favorite recurring star on Parks and Recreation, recently sat down to honor his late costar Jonathan Joss, calling his violent passing a "devastating loss" for the industry and those who knew him.

Remembering Jonathan Joss: A 'Parks and Rec' Legacy

In a heartfelt conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Jackson reminisced about working with Joss, who famously played Chief Ken Hotate. Joss was tragically killed outside his San Antonio home on June 1, 2025. Jackson described the 59-year-old actor as someone who "didn't let Hollywood go to his head," remaining a "cool guy" despite his recognizable roles in major hits like King of the Hill and The Magnificent Seven.

Jackson specifically highlighted their work in the Season 3 episode "Harvest Festival." The scene where Chief Ken lobbies Leslie Knope on Perd's show is etched in sitcom history. Between takes, Jackson recalls Joss's vibrant personality, noting that he loved to talk politics and joke around, often prompting Jackson to warn him with a laugh, "Hey, man, careful! The mics are on!"

Justice and Tributes for a Prolific Actor

The circumstances of Joss's death remain a somber point of discussion. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, linked the shooting to years of threats regarding Joss's sexuality. In November, a grand jury indicted their neighbor, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, on one count of murder. Jackson emphasized that the tragedy was especially sharp because Joss was "just a guy doing it if it dropped in his lap," never seeking the spotlight for ego's sake.

The broader Parks and Rec cast has also united in grief. Chris Pratt shared a touching tribute in June, calling Joss a "kind dude," while Nick Offerman revealed the cast spent an entire day texting each other, heartbroken over the loss of their Chief. Their collective mourning reflects the deep bonds formed over the show's 6-season run.