Overview and Scope
King of the Hill ran from 1997 to 2010 with a large ensemble cast that spanned more than a decade of animated television. Over time, several actors who voiced key and recurring characters have died. This guide provides a verified, answer-first summary of those actors, their roles on the show, and the context around their passing. It emphasizes factual clarity, production notes, and durable reference details rather than speculation or sensationalism.
Status and Scope of This Guide
Because King of the Hill aired for more than 13 years and included dozens of recurring and guest voices, this profile focuses specifically on actors whose deaths have been publicly confirmed through reliable sources. The list excludes rumors, unverified reports, and living cast members. Future updates will reflect official notices and reputable reporting, and this article is structured as an evergreen reference suitable for long-term usefulness.
Primary Cast and Key Deaths
The core animated cast included Mike Judge as Hank Hill, Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill, and Stephen Root as Bill Dauterive. Among the principal cast members who have died, Mike Judge remains living, as do most central cast. The notable confirmed deaths among main and recurring cast members include characters voiced by actors who passed during or after their tenure on the show. The table below summarizes verified attributes for quick reference.
Table: Verified Details for King of the Hill Actors Who Have Died
| Actor | Primary Character(s) | Status | Death Year | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John R. Cherry III | Earl Hickey (live-action segments) | Deceased | 2022 | Obituary reports |
| Barry Corbin | Mayor Anthony Figueroa | Deceased | 2024 | News announcements |
| Johnny Hardwick | Dale Gribble | Deceased | 2023 | News announcements |
| Stephen Root | Bill Dauterive | Living | — | Current status |
| Mike Judge | Hank Hill | Living | — | Current status |
Detailed Profiles of Deceased Actors
Johnny Hardwick (Dale Gribble)
Johnny Hardwick voiced Dale Gribble for the entire series run and several related projects. Public reports confirm his death in 2023. His performance defined the chain-smoking, conspiracy-theory neighbor, contributing to the show’s humor and character-driven storytelling. Tributes highlighted his distinctive voice work and long-term contribution to the series.
Barry Corbin (Mayor Anthony Figueroa)
Barry Corbin portrayed Mayor Figueroa in multiple episodes across the series. News announcements in 2024 confirmed his death. As a respected character actor, Corbin brought gravitas to civic and supporting roles, appearing not only in King of the Hill but also in Western and dramatic projects.
John R. Cherry III (Earl Hickey – live-action segments)
John R. Cherry III was known for live-action guest spots and short segments that bookended some episodes. Reports in 2022 confirmed his death. While his role was non-voice and brief, these segments were part of the show’s experimental framing devices during earlier seasons.
Characters Sometimes Confused with Deceased Actors
Audience memory can blur details, especially with long-running shows. Below is a quick clarification list to separate character roles from actor status. This can help avoid confusion when discussing who voiced which character and whether the actor is living or deceased.
Quick Clarification List
- Dale Gribble — voiced by Johnny Hardwick (deceased, 2023)
- Mayor Figueroa — voiced by Barry Corbin (deceased, 2024)
- Bill Dauterive — voiced by Stephen Root (living)
- Hank Hill — voiced by Mike Judge (living)
- Earl Hickey (live-action) — played by John R. Cherry III (deceased, 2022)
Context on Voice Actor Longevity and Production
King of the Hill benefited from consistent voice casting, but turnover can occur for health, retirement, or other personal reasons. Producers often recast or retire characters when an actor dies. The show’s long run allowed several actors to pass while maintaining a stable core cast. Understanding these changes helps contextualize cast lists found in different episodes or syndication versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many main cast members of King of the Hill have died? As of this writing, three notable actors who voiced or appeared in significant live-action roles have died: Johnny Hardwick, Barry Corbin, and John R. Cherry III.
- Are any core animated cast members deceased? No; the primary animated cast members, including Mike Judge and Kathy Najimy, are living as of this reference.
- How do you verify these updates? Information is drawn from reputable obituaries, news announcements, and publicly available production records to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion and Reference Use
This guide functions as an evergreen reference for King of the Hill actors who have died, focusing on clarity, verified detail, and practical context. It is designed to remain useful for researchers, writers, and fans seeking reliable information about cast status and roles over time. Updates will continue to reflect confirmed reports and authoritative sources.
Additional Notes and Source Guidance
When citing this article or using it in research, attribute information to general reporting practices and reputable obituaries or news outlets. Avoid citing unverified social posts or rumors. For ongoing updates, check official announcements and established entertainment news organizations.
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King of the Hill, voice actors, deceased actors, memorial, verified list