Beloved Former Child Actor Floyd Roger Myers Jr. Dies at 42 After Heart Attack
Floyd Roger Myers Jr., a former child actor who captured hearts as young Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died at 42. His mother, Renee Trice, confirmed that he passed away early Wednesday at his home in Maryland following a fatal heart attack — his fourth in three years.
“My son had suffered several heart attacks in recent years,” Trice told TMZ, adding that she had spoken to him just hours before his passing. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she shared a photo of Myers with his children, writing, “This is not supposed to be so.”
Myers’ brief but memorable Hollywood career left an imprint on fans of 1990s television. Alongside his appearance as a young Will Smith in a 1992 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, he portrayed a young Marlon Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream, a hit miniseries chronicling the rise of the iconic Jackson family. His final acting credit came in 2000 with The WB’s Young Americans.
Beyond acting, Myers dedicated his life to helping others. He co-founded The Fellaship Mens Group, a Maryland-based organization devoted to empowering men to “lead, heal, and thrive.” Following news of his passing, the group honored him on Instagram:
“RIP to our good brother @rocwonder, one of our co-founders. Gone but never forgotten. The mission will continue in your honor.”
Friends and family describe Myers as a devoted father of four, known for his warmth, laughter, and deep compassion. His sister, Tyree Trice, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, describing him as “a devoted father, loving brother, and friend whose kindness touched everyone he met.”
As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had raised over $2,000 toward its $30,000 goal. A funeral service is scheduled for November 3.
Floyd Roger Myers Jr.’s story is a poignant reminder of both the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring impact of kindness. His contributions — on screen and in his community — continue to resonate with those who knew him best.
