RIP Johnny Hardwick. No Dale, Lucky, or Luanne for the new series. https://www.tmz.com/2023/08/10/king-of-the-hill-dale-johnny-hardwick-voice-actor-dead-dies/
I literally was just reading this on Rolling Stone. KOTH is a show that has meant a lot to me, I was devastated to hear the news. Incredibly talented person, will be missed by many. I honestly don't know how the show can rebooted without him.
I always do this imitation of Dale because it cracked me up so much when I first heard it. Sadly most people don't know the scene, so they think I've lost my mind... especially when it gets to the "sex ed teacher" part, where I always have to jump and say "King of the Hill scene! Dale!" At which point they're relieved, but somehow still think I should be watched closely.
I was never a huge fan of Lucky, and didn't really even care for Luanne that much, but Dale? Yeah, that's huge. I hope they find out he has a twin brother or some relative named Buford or something that moves into the house after he dies while accidentally lighting a cig while spraying chemicals to kill ants. Or maybe aliens or the government abducted him. Would be a great send-off. lol.
RIP Dale was such a cornerstone of the shows humor, I don't think leaving him out is an option. I know recasts are never popular, but I think they have to do it. "They will try to pin it on me, and since I am guilty they will succeed" Still one of my favorite lines ever.
Such a bummer to wake up to that news this morning. Such a great character. I was really looking forward to the reboot. It will be interesting to see how they handle it. But to have a show without all 3 of those would make it tough to live up to the standards already set.
His cap hits me even harder because I always used to wear a Mack cap everywhere I went. I used to hoop in that thing, too. LOL.
Rick and Morty is recasting Rick and Morty so I assume they'd recast Dale, if they want to continue the character.
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. https://www.darkhorizons.com/king-of-the-hill-revival-recorded-hardwick/
"If you want, I can show you how to make a bomb out of a roll of toilet paper and a stick of dynamite."