RIP Johnny Hardwick, The Voice Of Dale Gribble From 'King of the Hill'

Johnny Hardwick, the voice actor for the iconic King of the Hill character Dale Gribble, has passed away at the age of 64. The news was announced in a joint statement by 20th Television Animation and Hulu.

According to TMZ, law enforcement sources said they were called to Hardwick's Texas home on Tuesday for a welfare check and then found his body. No foul play is suspected, and the exact cause of death remains unknown.

News of Hardwick's passing led to a celebration of some of Dale Gribble's greatest moments from King of the Hill. Dale had several classic moments as Hank Hill's conspiracy-minded friend on the show, several of which led to enduring memes, including Pocket Sand and Are Y'all With The Cult?

Many on social media joked they would toss "pocket sand" in Hardwick's honor, while several joked they would honor the memory of "Rusty Shackleford," an alias Dale used to try and hide his identity.

RIP Johnny Hardwick, voice actor of Dale Gribble from King of the Hill and master of pocket sand 😭 pic.twitter.com/SCGBN3jLUm

— Depressed Spider-Man (@Joshua_Is_Zeus) August 10, 2023

Excluding pocket sand, this might be my all-time favorite Dale Gribble moment. pic.twitter.com/679T5llMZz

— Robert Bowlin (@robbowlin86) August 10, 2023

RIP Rusty Shackleford https://t.co/RT2ViI9DAy pic.twitter.com/iw1bTkZzxD

— kevbones. (@kevbonesy) August 10, 2023

Hardwick was a writer and producer for King of the Hill, as well as the voice of Dale. In 1999, he notably won an Emmy award for "Outstanding Animated Program" as the show's producer.

He was attached to the King of the Hill revival announced in January and did not complete his work for the series' reboot before his passing.