'King of the Hill Star Johnny Hardwick Dies at 64: Dale Gribble Actor Passes Away'

Johnny Hardwick, best known for voicing Dale Gribble on King of the Hill, has passed away at 64. His talent and humor will be deeply missed.

In a heartbreaking announcement for fans of King of the Hill, we regret to inform you that Johnny Hardwick, the talented voice behind Dale Gribble, has passed away at the age of 64. On August 8, he was found deceased at his home in Austin, Texas, and the cause of death is currently unknown.

Right from the start of this beloved animated comedy, Johnny brought an abundance of life and humor to his eccentric character, who was known for his love of conspiracies. Across numerous episodes, he immersed himself in the world of King of the Hill, not only as an actor but also as a producer during the show's early seasons on Fox.

Hulu and 20th Television Animation, in a statement to Deadline, expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Johnny Hardwick and acknowledged his immense talent, brilliant humor, and friendship. They highlighted his significant contribution to the King of the Hill family over the past 25 years and extended their heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. They emphasized that his voice truly brought one of the show's most iconic characters to life and that his absence will be deeply felt.

For those curious about the future of King of the Hill, a revival of the show was recently approved by Hulu. While it remains uncertain how Hardwick's passing will affect the series, it is undoubtedly expected that a tribute of some kind will be included in his honor. Although Hardwick had been announced to return for the revival, he had not completed his work on the season prior to his untimely death. Voice casts often develop a tight-knit bond, as they undergo a unique and enduring experience together. These roles often span longer than typical live-action shows and possess a generational quality that resonates with audiences.

During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with Johnny Hardwick's family. The loss of such a talented individual is undoubtedly devastating, and we hope that they find solace and support amidst their grief.

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