'Godzilla vs. Kong' Star Kaylee Hottle Dies at 18

Kaylee Hottle, the young actress who played Jia in the 2021 blockbuster 'Godzilla vs. Kong,' has died at age 18, according to a report from TMZ. The news outlet stated that Hottle passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, though no cause of death has been released. Hottle, who was deaf and used American Sign Language, gained widespread recognition for her role as a deaf orphan who forms a bond with Kong. Her performance was praised for bringing emotional depth to the monster film, which grossed over $470 million worldwide. Hottle's death affects her family, friends, and the film community, particularly the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience who saw her as a rising representative. The loss matters because Hottle was one of the few deaf actors to play a leading role in a major Hollywood franchise, breaking barriers for representation. TMZ reported that Hottle's family has requested privacy during this difficult time. No further details about funeral arrangements or memorials have been announced. The entertainment industry is expected to pay tribute to her contributions in the coming days.