King of the Hill’s Kahn Actor on Getting Replaced in Reboot

Actor Toby Huss recently opened up about his shifting role in Hulu’s revival of King of the Hill. Known for voicing multiple characters in the original run, Huss addressed why he stepped aside as Kahn and how he unexpectedly inherited the role of Dale Gribble after the death of beloved actor Johnny Hardwick.

Toby Huss Reflects on Kahn Recasting

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Huss explained why he isn’t reprising Kahn in the new version of the show. “I liked the fact that we’re asking these questions now culturally that we didn’t ask back in ‘97, or if we did, they weren’t very loud,” Huss said. “Now we are, and I think it’s a much better place to be as a society and as a culture to ask and then give some answers. And if the answers mean you have to make some corrections, let’s make some corrections.”

For Huss, the change isn’t about losing a role but about progress. He acknowledged that times have shifted, and shows like King of the Hill, which originally premiered in 1997, are adapting to those shifts.

Ronny Chieng Steps In as Kahn

Huss noted to TVLine that Ronny Chieng—comedian, actor, and correspondent for The Daily Show—is taking on the role of Kahn. “He’s really hilarious, and it’ll be fun to watch what he does with Kahn,” Huss said.

Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson echoed the decision in the same interview. “Kahn was such an important character, especially as the foil to Hank,” Patterson explained. “Times have changed in terms of our attitudes towards casting, in a good way, and so we certainly wanted to be authentic in who we cast.”

Authentic Representation in Casting

Patterson went further in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It was important in the show; the world has changed a little bit since Hank and Peggy have been gone. Casting has changed a little bit too since Hank and Peggy have been gone, as far as actors fitting the characters that they’re portraying.”

The recasting of Kahn is part of a larger pattern in the revival. Other roles originally voiced by non-Asian actors are now portrayed by Asian performers. Huss himself had voiced Ted Wassanasong in the original run, but Kenneth Choi takes over that role in the new series. Chane, once voiced by Huss as well, is now played by Ki Hong Lee. Tai Leclaire has stepped in for Breckin Meyer as Joseph Gribble.

Toby Huss Inherits Dale Gribble

While Huss may no longer voice Kahn, he has been entrusted with another major character—Dale Gribble—after Johnny Hardwick’s unexpected passing. Hardwick had voiced the paranoid, chain-smoking exterminator since the show’s debut and recorded some lines for the revival before his death in 2023.

Huss called taking on the role “a really sweet and humbling thing” when speaking with THR. The cast and crew shared their support. Lauren Tom, who voices Minh and Connie, said, “We were thrilled as a cast that it was one of our own, that it was going to stay in the family.” Stephen Root, the voice of Bill Dauterive, added, “Nobody could replace Johnny, but Toby could further Johnny’s wonderfulness.”

Carrying On Johnny Hardwick’s Legacy

Huss admitted that stepping into Hardwick’s shoes was bittersweet. The decision wasn’t about replacement but about preservation—keeping Dale alive in a way that honored his late colleague’s work. Fans who tuned in for the revival noted how Huss managed to stay true to Dale’s eccentric personality while still bringing his own subtle touches to the character.

The revival includes Hardwick’s final recordings as Dale, combined with Huss’s continuation, giving fans a unique blend of old and new.

The Revival’s Return on Hulu

The King of the Hill revival premiered on August 4 on Hulu, bringing back many familiar voices, including Mike Judge as Hank Hill and Kathy Najimy as Peggy. Alongside them were the final performances of Hardwick and co-creator Greg Daniels, reminding fans of the show’s deep roots.

The revival manages to balance nostalgia with modern updates. While some characters remain as quirky and timeless as ever, others reflect today’s evolving conversations about representation, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity.

What This Means for King of the Hill

The changes highlight how much the entertainment landscape has evolved since the show’s original run. Recasting Kahn with Ronny Chieng may have raised eyebrows among some longtime fans, but the move demonstrates the revival’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Toby Huss’s role as Dale ensures continuity and honors Johnny Hardwick’s enduring impact on the series.

For audiences, the Hulu revival isn’t just a nostalgic trip back to Arlen, Texas. It’s also a reminder of how animated comedies can adapt with the times, respecting both the past and the present.

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