‘Godzilla’ star Kayle Hottle dead at 18

‘Godzilla’ star Kayle Hottle dead at 18
Credit: Getty Images

Kaylee Hottle, a rising actress who broke barriers for Deaf performers with her heartfelt portrayal of Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), has sadly died.

Born into a multigenerational Deaf family, she communicated through American Sign Language and became an inspiring advocate for authentic representation on screen. Hottle also appeared in Magnum P.I. and was recognized for helping bring greater visibility to the Deaf community in Hollywood.

Her promising career was tragically cut short when she died in a car accident in Maryland on July 21, 2026, prompting tributes from co-stars and fans around the world.

She was 18 years old.