According to credible reports on social media, Nashom Wooden, aka Mona Foot, has died at the age of 50.
Several people also claim the cause of death was COVID-19.
Project Runway designer Geoffrey Mac was a good friend of Wooden’s. Mac uploaded a video to Instagram to share the sad news.
“I just want to make sure that everyone out there is healthy and takes care of each other,” Mac said. “The virus is really real and I’m just so sorry.”
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Wooden found fame in the pre-Drag Race NYC club scene of the early ’90s, earning a reputation for slaying Aretha Franklin lip syncs. Mona was also known for dressing as Wonder Woman.
“I could see the power of it. No one saw that coming. To be not only a superhero, to be black and a man. I didn’t realize at the time I was feminine. The message was so powerful, performing ’I’m Every Woman’ as Wonder Woman,” Wooden told Michael Musto in 2017.
Over the years, Wooden slowly stepped back from their drag persona, before hanging up the heels for good.
In the late ’90s, Wooden became a singer in the dance-pop trio the Ones, appeared alongside Robert De Niro in the movie Flawless, and worked at the NYC nightclub The Cock.
Friends have been sharing their grief and love:
To watch Mona Foot perform was like watching a master class in the art of drag…her energy was infectious
In 2019 she is who announced that I had won entertainer of the year – to me the honor was being on the same stage as such an icon
she was a legend & a true queen RIP
— Marti Gould Cummings (@MartiGCummings) March 23, 2020
This virus is real. A very good friend of mine Nashom (Mona Foot a NYC legend) just passed away from complications of this virus. I’m shocked and heartbroken. please stay home. ?
— Kandy Muse (@TheKandyMuse) March 23, 2020
This virus has taken our dear Nashom Wooden..aka Mona Foot. Part of our New York nightlife family. A beautiful gorgeous creature, an amazing artist and a friend for 25+ years. When I think of you I will always see that beautiful smile. We love you Nashom… always and forever. pic.twitter.com/TnwEWiJh45
— mariodiazlovesyou (@mariodiaz) March 23, 2020
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
🙁
MrMichaelJ
Wow, I had the pleasure to be around him a few times years ago and listened to The One’s CD nonstop when I moved away from NYC.
Demichelis
WoW!
Virpilosus
I did not know him, but the tearful sincerity of his friends shows how wonderful a person and soul he was…I am touched, and I pray Nashom rest in peace.
Kangol2
Very sad news. I saw her perform at Wigstock years ago.
I believe Terrence McNally, the great gay playwright, has also died as a result of Covid-19.