The former child actor who played young Will Smith dies suddenly of a heart attack in Maryland.
Floyd Roger Myers Jr., the beloved child actor who once portrayed a young Will Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died at the age of 42.
His mother, Renee Trice, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ, revealing that her son passed away early Wednesday morning after suffering a fatal heart attack at his home in Maryland.
Trice shared that Floyd had experienced three previous heart attacks in the last three years. “I just spoke to my son last night,” she said, describing the loss as shocking and unimaginable.
Born and raised on the East Coast, Myers found early fame in Hollywood when he landed the role of young Will in the hit NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which originally aired from 1990 to 1996.
The flashback scenes featuring Floyd gave audiences a glimpse into the early life of Will Smith’s iconic character, adding depth to one of TV’s most beloved comedies. His youthful charm and charisma helped him stand out, even in short appearances alongside a star-studded cast.
Following his time on Fresh Prince, Floyd went on to play a young Marlon Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream, a 1992 miniseries that chronicled the rise of the Jackson family. His performance earned praise from viewers who admired how he brought warmth and innocence to the role of the future pop icon.
In 2000, Floyd appeared in a small role on the short-lived teen drama Young Americans, which starred Kate Bosworth and Ian Somerhalder. After that, he gradually stepped away from acting and lived a quieter life out of the spotlight.
While Myers’ Hollywood career was brief, his performances left a lasting mark on fans who grew up watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Even today, the show continues to reach new generations through streaming services — and Floyd’s scenes remain a nostalgic favorite for longtime viewers.
According to reports, Myers had been battling health issues related to his heart for several years, though his sudden death still came as a shock to his family and friends. He reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Though not much is known about Myers’ life after his acting career, his mother described him as a caring and creative person who loved connecting with people. “He had a good heart — always full of laughter and light,” Trice reportedly said.
Floyd’s passing also serves as a reminder of the growing concern about heart health among younger adults. Experts note that stress, lifestyle, and genetic factors can all contribute to cardiac problems, even in one’s early forties. Myers’ repeated heart attacks over just a few years underscore how unpredictable and serious such conditions can be.
Floyd Roger Myers Jr. is survived by his mother, Renee Trice, and family members who are mourning the devastating loss of a son and a talent gone too soon.
