Actor Mike Heslin, best known for his role in Taylor Sheridan’s “Lioness,” has tragically passed away at the age of 30. Heslin’s death was the result of an unexpected cardiac event, following a week-long hospitalization. The heartbreaking news was shared by his husband, Nicolas James Wilson, who is also known by his social media handle, Scotty Dynamo.
Heslin’s role as Polo in two episodes of “Lioness” Season 1 brought him significant recognition. He also appeared in Lifetime’s “The Holiday Proposal Plan” last year and had a part in the TV series “Younger” in 2016.
Wilson took to social media to announce the devastating news, expressing his disbelief and sorrow. “Michael was young, in perfect health, and the doctors have no explanation for what happened,” Wilson wrote. He also revealed that the couple, who had been married for just under a year, were in the early stages of planning a family. “You always told me that you felt like you were meant to be a dad, and I couldn’t agree more. You would be the world’s most perfect father,” Wilson added, ending his post with a heartfelt quote from Shania Twain: “I’ll love you ‘forever and for always.’”
In a poignant tribute, Wilson shared a series of photos on Instagram, capturing various moments from Heslin’s life, including their wedding and Heslin’s childhood. He remembered Heslin as a “brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel,” who had supported him through multiple rounds of cancer. “He was the first person everyone would call to share good news with, and he was the perfect person to call if they needed a shoulder to lean on or the best advice,” Wilson wrote. “Michael, meeting you was the best thing to ever happen to me. You are my world. You are everything to me. When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant.”
Wilson also shared that the couple had recently started discussing baby names for their future children. He praised Heslin for his selflessness, noting that it had been his dream to be an organ donor. Through his death, Heslin was able to give “the gift of life to four different families.”
The couple was just three weeks away from Heslin’s 31st birthday and four months shy of their first wedding anniversary. Wilson concluded his tribute with another quote from Shania Twain: “I’ll love you ‘forever and for always.’”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral and hospital costs, as well as to provide support to Heslin’s loved ones during this difficult time. Friends and family members have remembered Heslin as someone who always helped others. “There are many ways to define a person and their impact, and Mike is many beautiful things to so many people. But the word we keep returning to is Helper. In that Mike spirit, it’s time for us to be the Helpers,” the campaign organizers wrote.
Heslin’s acting career included roles in various television series such as “In Their Shoes: A Journey to Homelessness,” “The Influencers,” “House Sitting,” “I Love You… But I Lied,” “Younger,” and “7 Deadly Sins.” He also played a role in the 2023 rom-com “The Holiday Proposal Plan” and the 2020 TV movie “Boy*Friends.”
Wilson, who has been with Heslin since 2018 and married him in November 2023, shared a carousel of photos and penned a tear-jerking eulogy about his beloved husband. He noted that Heslin died three weeks before his 31st birthday and four months before their first wedding anniversary. “He would have been the world’s most perfect father,” Wilson wrote, adding that if he ever became a dad, he would name his son after Heslin. “I hope I manage to raise him to become at least half the man you are,” he continued.
Wilson described Heslin as his “best friend and soulmate,” and the “sweetest, most caring, and loving man on earth.” Addressing Heslin directly, he wrote: “When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant. But I will take it one day at a time like you always told me to, and live every day in your honor.”
Heslin’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, talent, and selflessness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. As Wilson poignantly noted, “Heaven has gained another angel.”
Source: Deadline, People
