Nashom Benjamin Wooden, a multifaceted and incredibly talented American performing artist, made his grand entrance into the world on October 9, 1969, and unfortunately, his life was cut short on March 23, 2020, when he left this mortal coil at the tender age of 50.
Noted club enthusiast and entertainment industry trailblazer, Michael Wooden, embarked upon a remarkable journey in the mid-1980s as a prominent Club Kid within the vibrant New York nightlife scene.
By the late 1980s, Wooden's professional endeavors had taken him to the bustling streets of Manhattan, where he served as the manager of the men's clothing department at the renowned boutique, Patricia Field's, simultaneously cultivating his drag queen persona, Mona Foot, in collaboration with his close friend and former roommate, the illustrious Lady Bunny.
Wooden, a talented individual, attributes his early mentorship to the renowned RuPaul, who imparted valuable knowledge on makeup application and even shared the stage with him in the off-Broadway production of "My Pet Homo". This formative experience undoubtedly had a profound impact on Wooden's artistic development.
As the charismatic Mona Foot, Wooden took on the role of host for the weekly drag competition "Mona Foot's Star Search" at the esteemed New York gay bar, Barracuda. This event, as noted by The New York Times, is believed to have served as an inspiration for the hit television series "RuPaul's Drag Race".
In the year 1997, Wooden embarked on a new professional path, taking up the role of bartender and DJ at The Cock, a renowned gay bar, where he honed his skills and built a reputation.
Just two years later, in 1999, Wooden made his cinematic debut, appearing in the comedy-drama film Flawless, showcasing his versatility and flair for the dramatic.
In the following year, 2001, Wooden joined forces with JoJo Americo and Paul Alexander to co-write and perform the song "Flawless," which would go on to achieve significant commercial success.
The song peaked at an impressive number four on the esteemed Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, demonstrating Wooden's ability to craft infectious and memorable dance tracks.
In addition to its domestic success, "Flawless" also gained popularity internationally, reaching number seven on the charts in the United Kingdom and number two in Belgium, further solidifying Wooden's reputation as a talented and innovative artist.
As Wooden's career progressed, he gradually reduced his appearances as Mona Foot, attributing the decline to a gradual loss of momentum, stating that "it just kind of fizzled out." The character, which had once been a significant part of his professional identity, began to fade into the background as Wooden's interest waned, leading him to stop accepting bookings and performances.
Wooden, a remarkable individual, was living with HIV, but thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, he had achieved an undetectable viral load, a testament to the advancements in HIV treatment and care.
Despite this remarkable achievement, Wooden's life was tragically cut short on March 23, 2020, at the tender age of 50, due to complications arising from a suspected case of COVID-19.
The circumstances of his passing were particularly poignant, as they occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, a city that was already reeling from the devastating impact of the virus.
Wooden's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing public health, particularly during times of crisis.
The renowned individual, John M. Wooden, was laid to rest in the esteemed Green-Wood Cemetery, situated in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, within the larger metropolis of New York City.
