Los Angeles / Maryland – A Sudden Loss
Floyd Roger Myers Jr., the actor who portrayed the younger version of Will Smith’s character on the 1990s hit sitcom and later took on a pivotal childhood role in a major miniseries, died early Wednesday morning at his home in Maryland. He was 42 years old. His mother shared that Myers Jr. suffered a fatal heart attack, following a history of previous cardiac events.
Career Snapshot: Flashback to a 90s Icon
Myers Jr. began his screen career with a memorable guest appearance on the beloved sitcom, where he embodied a younger incarnation of the show’s protagonist. That performance in 1992 made an indelible mark on fans of the era. In the same year, he took on the role of young Marlon Jackson in the acclaimed miniseries depicting the rise of one of pop music’s most famous families. After a final acting credit in a 2000 teen drama, he stepped away from Hollywood and focused on family and community.
Life After Hollywood: Purpose & Impact
Rather than simply fading from view, Myers Jr. redirected his energy toward meaningful work. He co-founded a nonprofit organisation focusing on men’s mental health, fatherhood and community accountability. At the same time, those who knew him describe a devoted father of four children who prioritized his family and used his early fame as a platform for real-life service and mentorship.
Health Struggles & Final Hours
In the days preceding his death, Myers Jr. had spoken with his mother—hours before the fatal event. He had reportedly endured at least three prior heart attacks over the past several years, making this final occurrence unexpectedly swift. The sudden nature of the event has prompted reflection on his health journey and the challenges of young adult cardiac risk.
A Lasting Legacy
While his acting years were relatively brief, Myers Jr.’s impact resonates on multiple levels:
- A beloved memory for 90s television viewers—bringing to life a key moment in cultural TV history.
- A reminder of childhood stardom’s long arc: from on-screen flash to the unseen real-life commitment of fatherhood and community.
- A figure whose later work in mental-health advocacy for men continues to draw respect and support.
Honouring the Family & What’s Next
Myers Jr. leaves behind his children—Taelyn, Kinsley, Tyler and Knox—and a family grappling with loss. A fundraising campaign has been initiated to assist with funeral costs and to support his children’s futures. Plans for a memorial service are underway, and the organization he helped build has pledged to carry on his mission in his honour.
By PopScopeNow Entertainment Desk
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