Johnny Hardwick, the beloved voice actor who brought the chain-smoking exterminator Dale Gribble to life on the long-running animated series “King of the Hill,” has sadly passed away at the age of 64. The Austin medical examiner’s office confirmed his death on Thursday, but no further details were immediately available. According to TMZ, Hardwick was found dead at his Austin home on Tuesday, and no foul play is suspected.
Hardwick’s portrayal of Dale Gribble spanned the entire 13-season run of “King of the Hill,” from 1997 to 2010. Alongside voicing the character, Hardwick also served as a writer, story editor, and producer on the show. His contribution and dedication to the series were evident in the animators’ decision to design Dale to resemble Hardwick in both appearance and smoking habits. Throughout the show’s run, Hardwick lent his voice to more than 250 episodes, making Dale one of the most iconic and memorable characters in the animated series.
Hardwick’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by the industry, as he shared an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program in 1999 and received nominations again in 2001 and 2002. In a 2019 interview, Hardwick expressed his love for working on “King of the Hill” because of the unique freedom it provided him. As a voice actor, he didn’t have to worry about makeup or memorizing lines, allowing him to remain completely anonymous. This anonymity meant a great deal to Hardwick and added to his overall enjoyment of the role.
Hardwick’s voice acting career extended beyond “King of the Hill.” He was set to participate in a revival of the beloved animated series on Hulu, as announced in January. Additionally, he had a YouTube channel where he would perform songs in character as Dale, further showcasing his versatility and passion for his craft.
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Born on September 21, 1958, in Austin, Texas, John Michael Hardwick graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in journalism. He began his career as a stand-up comedian, performing at clubs in Dallas and Austin. Hardwick even had the honor of being the first comic featured on Jon Stewart’s MTV show. While he was offered a sitcom at NBC, that opportunity unfortunately didn’t pan out.
It was during his stand-up performances that Hardwick caught the attention of “King of the Hill” co-creator Greg Daniels. Impressed by Hardwick’s talent, Daniels offered him a writing job instead of a regular role on the MTV series “Austin Stories.” Hardwick’s career took a fortuitous turn, leading him to become an integral part of the “King of the Hill” team.
Interestingly, Hardwick wasn’t the original voice actor for Dale Gribble. The role was initially given to Daniel Stern, but a dispute over money led to Stern’s replacement by Hardwick. This turn of events proved to be a pivotal moment for Hardwick’s career, solidifying his place as the iconic voice of Dale Gribble.
Johnny Hardwick’s contribution to the world of animation and comedy will always be remembered. His talent and dedication brought joy to millions of fans worldwide. As the news of his passing spreads, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of an incredible performer. Hardwick’s legacy will continue through his memorable portrayal of Dale Gribble and the impact he made in the world of animated television.
In conclusion, Johnny Hardwick, the beloved voice behind Dale Gribble in “King of the Hill,” has sadly passed away at the age of 64. His talent and dedication made an indelible mark on the animated series and brought joy to fans around the world. While his voice may be silenced, the memories and legacy he leaves behind will forever live on.
