Latest News About Johnny Hardwick and the King of the Hill Revival
The recent revival of the animated series King of the Hill has brought renewed attention to Johnny Hardwick, the beloved voice actor behind the character Dale Gribble. Despite his passing in 2023, his influence on the series continues as the showrunners navigate honoring his legacy while moving forward with new episodes. This article explores the latest developments surrounding Johnny Hardwick and how the revival addresses the challenge of continuing his iconic role.
Honoring Johnny Hardwick in the King of the Hill Revival
Johnny Hardwick was not only the voice of the conspiracy theorist neighbor Dale Gribble for 13 seasons and 258 episodes but also contributed behind the scenes as a writer and producer. His sudden death in August 2023 deeply affected the King of the Hill community and presented a difficult challenge for the show’s creators. Since Dale is a central character within the group, the production team felt it was essential to keep him in the revival series out of respect for the character’s integral role.
The series recorded six episodes featuring Hardwick before his death, and the revival team decided to continue voicing Dale with Toby Huss, a veteran voice actor from the original show who previously voiced Hank’s father Cotton Hill and neighbor Kahn Souphanousinphone. This choice maintained a tangible link to the original cast and provided continuity for long-time fans. Notably, the revival’s tribute to Hardwick appears in episode seven, a structure influenced by Hulu’s simultaneous episode release strategy rather than a traditional season-opening memorial.
The show’s creative team, including showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, expressed their intention to honor Hardwick’s contribution thoughtfully while allowing the character of Dale to grow in the new episodes. They carefully considered various options before deciding that recasting with a familiar voice would be the best way to preserve the spirit of the show while respectful of Hardwick’s legacy.
The Impact of Cast Losses and the Revival’s Current Status
Johnny Hardwick is among several original cast members who passed away ahead of the revival. The series also lost Jonathan Joss, the voice of John Redcorn, in a tragic murder in June 2025. Joss had completed recording his lines for the revival before his death, and the show honored him with a dedicated episode that highlights the character’s importance. This unexpected overlap of loss and tribute has brought an emotional depth to the revival season.
The King of the Hill revival premiered on Hulu in August 2025, reintroducing audiences to the Hill family and their acquaintances in a contemporary setting. Toby Huss’ portrayal of Dale Gribble has been well received, with the cast and crew reflecting on Hardwick’s enduring influence during interviews. The revival balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling while commemorating the memories of those no longer with the show.
King of the Hill continues to stand as a significant work in animated comedy, and the careful handling of Johnny Hardwick’s passing demonstrates the team’s commitment to both the show’s legacy and its future.
Conclusion
Johnny Hardwick’s passing marked a poignant moment for the King of the Hill series and its fans, but his voice and spirit remain central to the show’s revival. The thoughtful recasting of Dale Gribble with Toby Huss and the respectful tributes to Hardwick and other departed cast members highlight the production’s dedication to honoring its roots. As the revival streams on Hulu, it successfully balances moving forward with preserving the heart of the beloved original series, ensuring Johnny Hardwick’s legacy endures for new and old audiences alike.
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