(Photo Credits: Screengrab from @scottydynamo’s Official Instagram Account)
The acting community is mourning the loss of a rising star.
Mike Heslin, known for his roles in Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s spy thriller series Lioness and the Lifetime movie The Holiday Proposal Plan, has passed away. The sad news was confirmed by his husband, Nicolas James Wilson – widely recognized on YouTube as Scotty Dynamo – on social media. Mike died just three weeks shy of his birthday. He would have turned 31 later this month.
“On July 2nd, my husband, best friend, and soulmate @mikeheslin passed away from an unexpected cardiac event after a week-long battle in the hospital. Michael was young, in perfect health, and the doctors have no explanation for what happened,” Scotty shared on Instagram on July 6.
Mike, creator of the series The Influencers, reportedly passed away while traveling with friends and Scotty. And although their exact destination of their trip wasn’t specified, Mike had posted photos from Las Vegas on X in late June.
Scotty, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer way back in 2020, added:
“Michael was brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel. He single-handedly carried me 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. He truly was the sweetest, most caring, and loving man on earth, and he brought out the absolute best in everyone who had the pleasure to cross paths with him. He moved through life with such ease and confidence, and turned everyone around him into a better version of themselves.
No matter how difficult things got, we knew that there was nothing we couldn’t overcome with Mike in our corner.”
The couple married in November 2023, and Scotty revealed that they “were in the early stages of starting a family and would regularly share our favorite baby names for our future kids.”
He continued, “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. If I ever become a dad, I am going to name my son after you and hope that I manage to raise him to become at least half the man you are.”
Scotty also revealed that Mike was an organ donor: “It brings me peace to know that, through your wish to be a donor, you have given the gift of life to four different families.”
Finally, Scotty concluded his heartfelt tribute with: “Michael, in the words of Shania Twain: I’ll love you ‘forever and for always.'”
Mike Heslin was an actor who has made his mark in film, stage, TV, web series, commercials, voiceovers, and print. He was the mastermind behind the comedy The Influencers and co-founder of Well-Versed Entertainment, a production company responsible for developing and producing high-quality entertainment, overseeing all stages from concept to marketing.
Heslin’s acting credits included Taylor Sheridan’s spy thriller series Lioness starring Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman and the Lifetime movie The Holiday Proposal Plan. Born in California, he moved to the East Coast to earn a BFA from The Boston Conservatory, specializing in directing.
His film work included I Dream Too Much (SXSW – produced by Richard Linklater/Attic Light Films), and he also appeared on TV in Younger (TVLand) and I Love You But I Lied (Lifetime).
On stage, he had been part of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning play War Horse, portrayed Mustardseed in Diane Paulus’ The Donkey Show at the American Repertory Theater, and played Sky in Mamma Mia at Ogunquit/Gateway Playhouse. Read his bio in full here.
Watch Mike and Scotty during happier times here:
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Mike’s friends to cover the funeral and hospital expenses. Read more about this news here.
Rest in peace, Mike.
OK??????…………………..
no problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so, so young. Rest in peace, Mike. Condolences to your husband, family, and friends.
another one bites the dust
It would not surprise me in the least if this ‘unexpected cardiac event’ was related to, in some form or fashion, covid-19. Indeed, a sad state of affairs. I’d say thoughts and prayers, but it was not a gun related death.
May the pain felt by his partner, family, friends and fans lessen quickly and without incident.
Yes, a very sad turn of events but I wonder about the clot shot, too. He wouldn’t be the first to experience such an “anomaly”.
I do not wonder if it were due to a necessary vaccine. I wonder if the fellow had likely gotten covid-19 and likely had complications from the illness itself. While there is always some risk borne from various vaccines depending on their composition and delivery methods, often the target of the vaccine poses more risk, threat or danger than the vaccine itself.
So sad. Young, handsome dude. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I’m deeply touched.
Doctors are baffled
Agreed Marcus. Use of that phrase is odd. Younger guys (teens to thirties) often have sudden cardiac issues, some resting in death.
Doctors rarely are baffled. They usually quickly identify the cause as neurological or some genetic issue. In most cases, the guys were active, had had routine exams and there were no clues of cardiac issues. “Baffled” seems like the spokesperson was unable to verbalize the reason or was covering up an unfortunate situation (such as an accidental overdose or suicide).
Regardless, it’s a sad outcome.
truth be told?
It’s the total right of those left behind “the family” to present as they wish. Outsiders should, of course, shut up. Of course, those outsiders “who need to know” will pry. Shame on them.
and the truth will be told
If they say they are not baffled they are called conspiracy theorists