Johnny Hardwick completed a couple of episodes for the highly awaited King of the Hill reboot before his death.
The actor provided the voice for Hank’s bestie/neighbor, the chain-smoker and gun fanatic Dale Gribble, in the original series that ran from 1997-2009.
Mike Judge and Greg Daniels' beloved animated sitcom is set to return to Hulu sometime in 2024.
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However, fans were rocked earlier this month after the death of Hardwick was announced.
But according to TVLine, the actor recorded a couple of episodes before his death.
The number of episodes completed is unclear, as 20th Century Animation and Hulu have yet to make an announcement.
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On August 8, TMZ reported that the voice actor was found dead at 64 at his home in Texas after officers were called to conduct a welfare check.
While there will be an autopsy, law enforcements suspect there is no foul play.
Following his death, representatives of 20th Television Animation and Hulu released 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,” they said.
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“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.”
Social media tributes also flooded in.
Breckin Meyer, who voiced Dale’s son Joseph Gribble penned via Twitter: “Was lucky enough to have Johnny Hardwick as my pops Dale for almost a decade. He will be so damn missed! RIP.”
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Another fan wrote: “My fav Dale gribble line. RIP Johnny Hardwick.”
A third said: “RIP Johnny Hardwick. The greatest line delivery of the greatest joke in history. Too funny and too talented.”
While another shared: “RIP Johnny Hardwick, whose work as Dale Gribble was a foundational comedy performance for me. This is just one of [the] so many bits of pure hilarity he brought us.”
In addition to Hardwick returning, original stars announced for the reboot include Mike Judge (Hank and Boomhauer), Kathy Najimy (Hank’s wife Peggy) and Pamela Adlon (Hank’s son Bobby), and Stephen Root as Hank’s barber pal Bill.
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Ashley Gardner will also be returning Dale’s wife Nancy, as well as Lauren Tom who voices neighbor Minh and Minh’s daughter Connie.
Topics: News, Film and TV
