Kaylee Hottle Bio, Age, Height, Family, Movies, Death & Net Worth

Kaylee Hottle Biography

Kaylee Hottle was an American actress best known for playing Jia in the MonsterVerse films. She was born on May 1, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. Hottle came from a multigenerational Deaf family and communicated fluently through American Sign Language (ASL).

Before entering Hollywood, Hottle appeared in commercials and projects supporting the Deaf community. She made her major acting debut in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). In the film, she played Jia, a Deaf orphan who forms a special bond with Kong. Her authentic performance earned praise from audiences and strengthened Deaf representation in Hollywood.

Hottle later reprised her role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). The performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor. She also appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. and participated in projects supporting ASL and the Deaf community.

Sadly, Kaylee Hottle died at age 18 following a car accident in Maryland on July 21, 2026. Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed her death through an emotional ASL video. Her passing shocked fans, Hollywood, and the Deaf community. However, her work created a lasting legacy. Kaylee remains remembered as a talented young actress who brought authentic Deaf representation to major blockbuster films.

Kaylee Hottle Age: How Old Was Kaylee Hottle?

Kaylee Hottle was 18 years old when she died on July 21, 2026. She was born on May 1, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. The American actress became widely known for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Additionally, she became an important voice for Deaf representation in Hollywood. Sadly, Kaylee died following a car crash in Maryland. Her brief career left a lasting impact on fans and the Deaf community.

Kaylee Hottle’s Height: How Tall Was Kaylee Hottle?

Kaylee Hottle stood approximately 4 feet 11 inches (150 cm) tall, according to available biographical sources. The American actress gained recognition for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and its sequel. However, her height has not received official confirmation from a primary source. Therefore, fans should treat the reported measurement as an estimate.

Kaylee Hottle Deaf | Was Kaylee Hottle Deaf?

Yes, Kaylee Hottle was Deaf and a native American Sign Language (ASL) signer. She grew up in an all-Deaf family with four generations of Deaf relatives on her father’s side. Additionally, both her parents were Deaf, according to recent biographical reports. She attended the Texas School for the Deaf and embraced Deaf culture throughout her life. Furthermore, her role as Jia highlighted authentic Deaf representation in Hollywood.

Kaylee Hottle’s Ethnicity

Kaylee Hottle had mixed Korean and White American heritage, according to available biographical reports. Her mother, Ketsi Carlson, was born in Korea and later adopted by an American family. Meanwhile, her father, Joshua Hottle, has White American heritage. Therefore, Kaylee Hottle’s ethnicity is commonly described as Korean-American or mixed-race. She also grew up in a multigenerational Deaf family and proudly connected with Deaf culture.

Kaylee Hottle Young | Early Life & Academic Background

Kaylee Hottle was born on May 1, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up in a multigenerational Deaf family and learned American Sign Language from childhood. Later, her family moved to Texas, where she attended the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. She balanced her education with acting and athletics. Additionally, she competed in basketball, swimming, and track and field. Her school education remained important throughout her rising acting career.

Kaylee Hottle’s Family: Parents, Siblings & Deaf Family Background

Kaylee Hottle grew up in a close-knit, multigenerational Deaf family. Her parents, Joshua Hottle and Ketsi Hottle, supported her education, athletics, and acting career. Kaylee’s father came from a family with four generations of Deaf relatives. Therefore, American Sign Language played an important role in her childhood and family communication. Kaylee also had four siblings, although detailed information about them remains limited. Her family maintained strong connections with the Deaf community. Additionally, her parents encouraged her talents from an early age. As a result, Kaylee successfully balanced school, sports, and acting while becoming an important figure in Deaf representation.

Kaylee Hottle Movies & TV Shows | Acting Career

Kaylee Hottle built a short but memorable acting career through film, television, and Deaf community projects. She gained worldwide recognition as Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). Later, she reprised the role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). Additionally, she appeared as Joon in one episode of Magnum P.I. Her filmography also includes several ASL-related commercial and community projects. Her performances strengthened Deaf representation in mainstream entertainment.

Full Filmography:

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) — Jia
Magnum P.I. (2021) — Joon, one episode
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) — Jia
Glide App Public Service Announcement (2016) — Commercial appearance
Mother’s Day (2017) — Convo Relay commercial
10 Deaf Children: One Powerful Message (2018) — Community project

Kaylee Hottle Accident | Car Crash

What happened to Kaylee Hottle?

Kaylee Hottle died in a fatal car crash in Maryland on July 21, 2026. She was one of two passengers in a vehicle that left the road in Ijamsville. The car then struck a culvert before 3 a.m. Authorities believe excessive speed contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation. The 18-year-old actress died at the scene. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Kaylee’s death shocked fans and the Deaf community.

Kaylee Hottle Death | Cause of Death

Kaylee Hottle died at age 18 after a fatal car crash in Maryland on July 21, 2026. She was a passenger when the vehicle left the road and struck a culvert in Ijamsville. According to authorities, excessive speed may have contributed to the crash. However, investigators continue examining the incident. Kaylee later died from injuries sustained in the collision. Her death shocked fans and the Deaf community worldwide.

Kaylee Hottle Net Worth

Kaylee Hottle’s estimated net worth was around $500,000 to $1 million before her death in 2026. However, she never publicly disclosed her personal finances. Therefore, these figures remain unverified estimates from online sources. Her income likely came from acting, commercials, television appearances, and MonsterVerse projects. Additionally, her roles in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire increased her public profile. Her exact net worth remains unknown.

Kaylee Hottle Quick Facts

Full Name: Kaylee Hottle
Born: May 1, 2007
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Age: 18 years old at the time of her death
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Korean and White American heritage
Parents: Joshua Hottle and Ketsi Hottle
Siblings: Four
Deaf Status: Deaf
Language: American Sign Language (ASL)
Education: Texas School for the Deaf
Profession: Actress
Known For: Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong
Notable Movies: Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Death Date: July 21, 2026
Cause of Death: Injuries from a fatal car crash
Estimated Net Worth: $500,000–$1 million (unverified)