Johnny Hardwick, the comedian and voice actor famous for his role in the long-running animated show “King of the Hill,” has passed away at 64, according to multiple reports.
Hardwick’s death was confirmed by the medical examiner’s office in Austin, Texas, as reported by USA Today. The actor died at his home, and while no specific cause of death has been provided, foul play is not suspected according to Deadline.
In the comedy created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, Hardwick voiced the character Dale Gribble, a chain-smoking, paranoid exterminator and neighbor of the titular Hill family in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, for 13 seasons.
Hardwick was part of the team that won an Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Animated Program. Although “King of the Hill” ended in 2010, Hardwick’s portrayal of Dale Gribble has endured through internet memes, including his humorous use of “pocket sand” to evade confrontation.
The actor was also slated to participate in the “King of the Hill” revival at Hulu, announced earlier this year. Mike Judge paid tribute to Hardwick on Instagram, posting an image of Dale spending time with his neighbors in their usual spot in the alley. His contributions to animation and comedy will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.