Millie Bobby Brown has been left “devastated” by the death of her Godzilla vs. Kong co-star Kaylee Hottle.
The tragic death of the 18-year-old actress was announced by her father Joshua on Tuesday (21.07.26), following a car crash in Frederick County, Maryland.
Kaylee was most famous for playing orphan Jia - who uses sign language to communicate with the giant ape - in the 2001 monster movie and its 2024 sequel Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, and her co-star Millie was among those paying tribute on social media after learning of her passing.
Sharing a black and white screenshot of Kaylee from Godzilla vs. Kong on her Instagram Stories, Millie wrote: “I’m so devastated to hear this.
“You will be deeply missed Kaylee.”
As well as her on-screen roles, Kaylee worked to spread awareness of American Sign Language (ASL), as a deaf individual, from a multi-generational deaf family, herself.
Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actress to win an Oscar for her role in the film Children of a Lesser God, also shared her tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of herself with Kaylee, who she met last year.
She wrote alongside it: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.
“Such a privilege to have met Kaylee last year. Please be kind to one another. Take the time to listen to your child. Say [peace] each time you part.”
While Legendary Entertainment movie studios took to X to share their tribute, writing: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Kaylee Hottle.
“Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse. She was a cherished member of our film family, and her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.
“Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her during this unimaginably difficult time. Rest in Peace, Kaylee."
Kaylee earned a nomination for the Best Younger Performer in a Film Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy Horror Films in 2025 for Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.
Speaking to The AU Review about her starring role in the Godzilla movies, Kaylee said: “I’m acting in monster movies as a deaf person.
“I want deaf people to know that they can do that too, just like me. There are no limits."
