Actor Mike Heslin of ‘Lioness’ Dies at Age 30

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Mike Heslin, an actor known for his roles in “Lioness” and “The Holiday Proposal Plan,” passed away on July 2nd. His husband shared the news on Instagram, revealing the cause was a “sudden cardiac event.”

Heslin’s husband, Scotty Dynamo, explained that Mike’s tragic death followed a week-long hospital stay. “Michael was young, in perfect health, and the doctors have no explanation for what happened,” Dynamo shared.

In his heartfelt message, Dynamo described Heslin as “brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel.” He reminisced about how Mike supported him through challenging times. “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.”

Dynamo added, “He truly was the sweetest, most caring, and loving man on earth. He brought out the best in everyone who crossed paths with him. Mike moved through life with ease and confidence, turning everyone around him into better versions of themselves. No matter how difficult things got, we knew that with Mike in our corner, there was nothing we couldn’t overcome.”

The couple had plans to start a family. Dynamo wrote, “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.”

Heslin was an organ donor, and his generosity has already helped four different families receive the gift of life, according to Dynamo.

In 2023, Heslin appeared in two episodes of Taylor Sheridan’s series “Lioness” as Polo. He also created and starred in the 2020 mockumentary “The Influencers,” which was nominated for a Queerty Award and streamed on Prime Video.

Heslin’s other notable works include the Christmas movie “The Holiday Proposal Plan,” the series “In Their Shoes: A Journey Into Homelessness,” and a role in the series “Younger.” In 2020, he co-produced and co-starred in “Boy*Friends” as Rupert, and his short film “Happy Halloween” secured several awards at horror festivals, including Best First-Time Director.

Born in California, Mike Heslin earned a BFA in Directing from the Boston Conservatory, as stated on his official website.