Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown has paid tribute to her Godzilla Vs Kong co-star Kaylee Hottle, who has died aged 19. The US actress – who appeared in the popular sci-fi film and its sequel, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire – was killed in a car crash in Frederick, Maryland, it has been reported.
Her death was confirmed by her father Joshua on Tuesday in a tearful livestream shared to Facebook, which was in American Sign Language (ASL) as the Hottle family is all deaf.
Millie Bobby Brown's tribute
Hottle made her feature film debut in Godzilla Vs Kong alongside Brown, who played Madison Russell, the teenage daughter of quasi-governmental scientists. Brown has said she was “devastated” as she paid tribute to her co-star, and shared a black and white image of Hottle to her Instagram story. Over the photo, the Emmy-nominated actress wrote: “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee.”
Marlee Matlin and Texas School For The Deaf pay respects
Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actress to win an Oscar for her role in Children Of A Lesser God, shared a photo to X of herself alongside Hottle. She wrote: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.”
Hottle attended Texas School For The Deaf (TSD) in Austin, where she was a senior, and the institution has paid tribute to her after the “heartbreaking” news of her death. The school shared a photo of her and wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.” It added: “Please keep Kaylee’s loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”
Career and legacy
Hottle appeared in Godzilla Vs Kong as Jia, an orphaned deaf girl who forms a bond with giant great ape Kong by communicating with him in ASL. She reprised her role in the 2024 sequel, landing a Saturn Award nomination for best performance by a younger actor. While promoting the hit sci-fi films, the actress often spoke about the inclusion of deafness in the entertainment industry. Hottle has also appeared in several advertisements, including one promoting support for the deaf community in their pursuit of equal rights.
