You might remember seeing a young actor playing the mini version of Will Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back in the ’90s. That was Floyd Roger Myers Jr., and sadly, we lost him on October 29, 2025, at just 42 years old. The former child star passed away from a heart attack at his Maryland home, leaving behind a story that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring.
What makes Floyd’s story so compelling isn’t just his brief time in Hollywood, but how he transformed his life after stepping away from the cameras. From child actor to entrepreneur to mental health advocate, his journey shows us there’s so much more to former stars than we often realize.
His mother, Renee Trice, revealed to TMZ that he’d battled three previous heart attacks over the past three years, making his sudden passing even more devastating for those who knew him.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles of Floyd Roger Myers Jr.
Let’s take you back to 1992, when a young Floyd first appeared on our screens. His big break came when he was cast as the younger version of Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and honestly, the resemblance was pretty spot-on! That single episode in season 3 might have been brief, but it showcased something special about this kid.
But here’s where things get really interesting. The same year, Floyd landed what would become his most significant role as young Marlon Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream. This wasn’t just any TV movie; we’re talking about a five-hour ABC miniseries that aired over four nights in November 1992. The production was massive, featuring heavy-hitters like Angela Bassett, Vanessa Williams, and Billy Dee Williams.
Playing Marlon Jackson (ages 7-9) gave Floyd the chance to be part of television history, portraying one of the most famous musical families ever. His final acting credit came in 2000 with Young Americans, and then he made a choice that surprises many: he walked away from Hollywood entirely.
Life Beyond Acting: Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Advocacy by Floyd Roger Myers Jr.
So what does a former child star do after Hollywood? In Floyd’s case, he became a successful entrepreneur and mental health advocate (pretty inspiring stuff, right?). He owned Dr. Duct, a business specializing in air duct and dryer vent cleaning services. It might not sound glamorous, but it shows he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and build something real.
But here’s what really sets Floyd apart from other former child actors: he co-founded The Fellaship Mens Group, a nonprofit that tackles men’s mental health issues head-on.
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Think about it: this is a guy who understood the importance of creating safe spaces for men to talk about their struggles without judgment. That’s pretty groundbreaking work, especially considering how often men’s mental health gets overlooked.
The organization’s mission was to address emotional and mental health challenges that men face, providing spaces where guys could actually be vulnerable and get support. After Floyd’s passing, The Fellaship posted a touching tribute, saying his mission would continue in his honor. It’s clear he wasn’t just talking the talk; he was genuinely making a difference in people’s lives.
Personal Life and Health Struggles
If you checked out Floyd’s Instagram (@rocwonder), you’d see he was all about family. The guy was a proud dad of four and never missed a chance to celebrate his kids. Just this past September, he posted the sweetest birthday message for his daughter’s 10th birthday, calling her (via Instagram),
The life of the party and always a bright light in the room.
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Those are the moments that really show you who someone was behind the public persona. But Floyd’s recent years weren’t without serious challenges. In 2023, he opened up about a terrifying health scare, sharing a hospital photo and writing:
Just a week ago i was in a coma fighting for my life!! The way my GOD work though. I’m beyond blessed and grateful to be alive!!
That post hits differently now, knowing what we know about his heart problems. What’s really admirable is how transparent he was about his struggles. In a world where social media is usually all highlight reels, Floyd kept it real about his health battles.
His honesty probably helped other people feel less alone in their own fights. That’s the kind of person he was – even when dealing with his own problems, he was thinking about how to help others.
Legacy and Impact of Floyd Roger Myers Jr.
Here’s the thing about Floyd’s story: it’s not your typical “child star gone wrong” narrative that we’re so used to hearing about. Instead, it’s about someone who used his early fame as a stepping stone to do something meaningful with his life. Sure, his acting career only lasted eight years, but the impact he made afterward? That’s the real story.
Think about it: how many former child actors go on to become mental health advocates? Floyd saw a problem (men struggling with emotional and mental health issues without proper support) and he did something about it.
'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Child Actor Floyd Roger Myers Jr. Dies at 42: Report https://t.co/Oou1gl6IJI
The Fellaship Mens Group isn’t just going to disappear now that he’s gone; his work will keep helping people for years to come.
His funeral is set for November 3, and there’s a GoFundMe set up by his sister to help with expenses. The response from fans and the entertainment community shows that people really remember him, not just for his TV appearances, but for who he became as a person.
Floyd proved that there’s life after child stardom, and it can be pretty amazing if you’re willing to put in the work to help others. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.
What do you think about Floyd Roger Myers Jr.’s inspiring journey from child actor to mental health advocate? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts on his legacy!
Want to watch Floyd’s memorable performances? The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is available on streaming platforms like Peacock and HBO Max, while The Jacksons: An American Dream can be found on various digital rental platforms. Let us know in the comments which of his roles you remember most!
