Sources for TV Line have confirmed that actor Johnny Hardwick had completed work on “a couple” of episodes of Hulu’s forthcoming “King of the Hill” revival prior to his death earlier this month.
Hardwick voiced Hank’s chain-smoking, conspiracy-obsessed, bug exterminator best friend Dale Gribble in all 258 episodes of the original Fox series.
Police were called to Hardwick’s Texas home last week for a welfare check and discovered his body – a cause of death is unknown.
At present it’s not clear if another actor will be brought in to finish what Hardwick started in the revival, which will premiere next year. 20th Television Animation and Hulu issued a joint statement:
“Johnny Hardwick was an incredibly beloved member of the King of the Hill family, whose tremendous talent, brilliant humor and friendship will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to work with him over the past 25 years. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family as we mourn the loss of one of the animation greats. His voice gave life to one of our most iconic characters, and he will be truly missed.”
“King of the Hill” follows propane salesman Hank Hill and his family and friends in Arlen, Texas. The present-day-set revival will return to said suburb. Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Stephen Root, Ashley Gardner and Lauren Tom are also all coming back to voice their characters.
