Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actress best known for her role as Jia in the Monsterverse franchise, died in a single-vehicle car crash in Frederick, Maryland, on Tuesday morning. She was 18. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from co-stars, including Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, and Eiza González, as well as from the production company Legendary Pictures.
Millie Bobby Brown Leads Tributes
Millie Bobby Brown, who starred alongside Hottle in the Godzilla films, shared a black-and-white image of the late actress on her Instagram story. "I'm so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee," Brown wrote. Rebecca Hall, who appeared with Hottle in both Godzilla vs Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, posted photographs of the two together on set. "My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee," Hall said.
Eiza González also paid tribute, sharing a costume photo of herself and Hottle. "I'm devastated. I adore you. I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly," González wrote. Oscar-winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin described herself as "absolutely gutted," posting a photo alongside Hottle and fellow actress Shoshannah Stern. "May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity," Matlin wrote.
Legendary Pictures Mourns a 'Cherished Member'
Legendary Pictures, the studio behind the Monsterverse, released a statement calling Hottle a "cherished member" of the production family. "Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse. Her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her," the statement read.
Hottle, who was deaf, first captured audiences in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs Kong, where she played Jia, a young orphan with a special bond with Kong. She reprised the role in the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Advocate for Deaf Representation
Beyond her on-screen work, Hottle was recognized as a vocal advocate for the deaf community and for greater representation in Hollywood. Teri Devine, associate director of inclusion at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), told BBC Newsbeat that Hottle helped "pave the way" for more inclusive casting in mainstream cinema.
Devine described her as a "passionate advocate for the deaf community and deaf actors in Hollywood" who used her platform to "raise awareness and inspire others to drive positive change for people who are deaf or have hearing loss." Devine added: "Representation of people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the spotlight is incredibly important. Kaylee helped to improve understanding, challenge misconceptions, and prove there are no limits to what people who are deaf or have hearing loss can achieve."
Broader Impact and Remembrance
Hottle's death has also drawn attention to the importance of deaf representation in media. Her role in the Monsterverse franchise was widely praised for bringing a deaf character to the forefront of a major Hollywood blockbuster. Fans and fellow actors have continued to share memories and condolences on social media, highlighting her kindness and talent.
In a separate incident, veteran actor James Handy, known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Logan, and Jumanji, also passed away recently, leaving fans and celebrities in shock.
