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Kaylee Hottle, who played a prominent role in Godzilla vs. Kong and its sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, passed away at the age of 18.
Her father, Joshua, confirmed her death in a video posted on Facebook. The stream was in American Sign Language (ASL), as the entire Hottle family is deaf. The video is titled “I am taking a flight that I never want to take.”
Hottle died in an automobile accident in Frederick, Maryland. Her death was also reported by the Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle studied. “Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” it said.
Hottle was noted for his role as Jia in the 2021 hit adventure Godzilla vs Kong. The character was a deaf orphan who develops a bond with Kong. She acted with Rebecca Hall, who played her adoptive mother.
“Devastated to hear this news,” Hall posted on Instagram, alongside photographs of the two of them on set. “My heart goes out to your family.” “You will be missed, Kaylee.”
Hall and co-star Alexander Skarsgård both learned ASL to interact directly with Hottle on filming.
“I think some people see ASL and deafness as a barrier or a gift, but it’s just a language, and deaf is just deaf,” Hottle said in an interview. “We can do many things but not hear. We need more deaf actresses and staff in the profession so that people can witness and accept it.”
Hottle also starred in the sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which was published in 2024. The part earned her a Saturn Award nomination for best performance by a young actress.
“I’m acting in monster movies as a deaf person,” she stated in another interview. “I want deaf individuals to know that they, too, can accomplish what I do. There are no limitations.
Millie Bobby Brown, her co-star, paid tribute today on social media. “I’m so devastated to hear this,” she wrote. “You will be deeply missed, Kaylee.”
Hottle has appeared in several advertisements and an episode of the revived Magnum PI television series.