One of the singular voices in television animation has died.
Johnny Hardwick, the voice of King of the Hill‘s Dale Gribble, died this week at the age of 64. He also worked as a writer and producer on the long-running animated comedy from Mike Judge and Greg Daniels.
Hardwick’s distinct, gravely voice marked the pleasantly paranoid Gribble, best known for his extermination business, intense interest in conspiracy theories, his orange hat and unabashed love for his friends and family.
On a show with so many memorable characters, Hardwick’s voice helped Gribble stand out among the many wonderful performances on the program.
Johnny Hardwick, who voiced Dale Gribble on King of the Hill and was set to reprise his role in a series revival on Hulu, has died at 64 years old. https://t.co/jUIJdsyJ4U pic.twitter.com/Us22IIPLMH
— IGN (@IGN) August 10, 2023
As show fans throw pocket sand and write in “Rusty Shackleford” on their official government documents in Hardwick’s honor, remembrances for the voice actor’s legendary performance have poured in on social media.
Many shared clips of Gribble’s funniest moments on the show, while others pointed out how Hardwick’s performance helped build the warm, affable atmosphere that King of the Hill built during its run.