Q1: Did Johnny Hardwick record any dialogue for the King of the Hill revival before his death?
Yes. Johnny Hardwick completed recording sessions for several revival episodes prior to his passing in August 2023. Those performances were preserved by Hulu and appear in the revival’s initial run.
Q2: Who is the new voice of Dale Gribble?
Toby Huss voices Dale Gribble following Hardwick's passing. Huss is an original King of the Hill cast member who previously voiced Cotton Hill, Kahn Souphanousinphone, and numerous background characters.
Q3: Will the show address Johnny Hardwick’s passing on-screen?
The producers structured on-screen tribute cards dedicated to Hardwick's memory during the broadcast of his final recorded episodes, keeping the animated character of Dale alive while honoring the actor who originated him.
Q4: Why wasn't Dale Gribble written out of the show like Luanne and Lucky?
Following the deaths of Brittany Murphy (Luanne Platter) and Tom Petty (Lucky Kleinschmidt), those characters were respectfully retired because their arcs felt closed. Dale Gribble is structurally fundamental to the Rainey Street dynamic alongside Hank, Bill, and Boomhauer, making a recast essential for the revival's survival.
