Iconic “King of the Hill” Actor Johnny Hardwick Passes Away at 59

Voice of Dale Gribble in “King of the Hill,” Johnny Hardwick, Passes Away at 59

Voice actor Johnny Hardwick, renowned for his portrayal of the quirky character Dale Gribble on the beloved animated series “King of the Hill,” has tragically died at the age of 59.

A Long-Running Iconic Role

Hardwick lent his voice to the character Dale Gribble, the conspiracy theorist neighbor of Hank Hill, in an impressive total of 258 episodes spanning from 1997 to 2010.

Sad Discovery in Texas

The actor’s life came to an end at his Texas residence on Tuesday.

Authorities responded to a welfare check and discovered Hardwick’s lifeless body.

TMZ reports that no foul play is suspected, and as of now, the exact cause of his passing remains unconfirmed.

Versatile Contributions to the Show

Beyond his voice acting, Johnny Hardwick was also deeply involved in the production of “King of the Hill.”

He served as a staff writer, story editor, and producer for the series, earning considerable recognition for his talents.

Notably, he garnered four Primetime Emmy nominations for his various roles.

Recognized Excellence

In 1999, Hardwick achieved a significant milestone when he won an Emmy Award as a producer for his contributions to “King of the Hill.”

Diverse Creative Pursuits

Apart from his standout role in the television show, Hardwick extended his creativity to other projects.

He lent his voice to the movie “Natural Selection” in 1999 and took on a producer role for the film “Shadows of Sofia” in 2019.

An Artistic Legacy

In more recent times, Johnny Hardwick ventured into the realm of YouTube, where he engaged his audience by performing song parodies and monologues reminiscent of his “King of the Hill” character, Dale Gribble.

Throughout his videos, he maintained his distinct style, often donning his signature shades and orange cap.