RIP Momma. WEHO TIMES has just received news that Worthie Paul Meacham, known as everyone’s favorite larger than life drag diva, MOMMA, has died, According to some his close friends, who received word from a family member. His time of death and cause are not yet known.
Momma was widely known and loved in the West Hollywood community for her hosting of shows in West Hollywood’s LGBT Rainbow District and for participating in numerous fundraisers benefiting various LGBT causes. According to a profile written by Billy Masters in the Los Angeles Blade, Momma was born in 1994 during a drag competition at Drag Strip 66.
Worthie Paul Meacham – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES
Worthie Paul Meacham – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMESThe tributes are already pouring in on Facebook:
I just now learned that my wonderful, creative and talented friend Worthie Paul Meacham , also known as Momma has passed away this morning,” wrote friend Kevin Alpert. “May you be at peace and no longer be in any kind of pain. I hope you give many drag and fun performances up in heaven. Thank you for always being so kind and sweet and loving towards me. You will would be missed by so many people. May you rest in power. You are loved and missed.”
“I learned that my dear friend Worthie Paul Meacham passed away this morning,” wrote Mark Haneke. “We were close friends for over 30 years and I will cherish our memories together. We first met at an ECWR conference at Chapman University in Orange, California. Worthie was loud and boisterous, but with a caring heart of gold. He loved Jesus and he loved people. He was able to minister to people in ways no one else could. His drag persona , Momma, was renowned throughout SoCal, across the country and internationally.
Worthie and I enjoyed many trips and adventurers together. Some of my fondest moments are of him leading a singalong at Disneyland’s Enchanted tiki Room “and down!” at the annual Gay Days Anaheim. We enjoyed sharing our mutual interests In Disney, going to movies and planning cruises. Worthie, you are loved and will forever be in our hearts!
Say hi to Walt for me! Love, Mark”
Worthie Paul Meacham, Known as Drag Personality Momma – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES“Worthie Paul Meacham has passed away today,” reports Chris Petty. “Momma you are a true LA legend! And you were instrumental in my coming out story. Such a wonderful friend. Hosting gay days at Disneyland. I’ll never forget hiking the Skeena river by terrace bc, turning the corner & seeing an 8′ tall drag queen fly fishing! RIP my dear. You definitely left your mark! I’ll be singing you Tainted Love one last time.
Meacham was wheelchair bound when he attended the memorial services of “Fairy Godmother of Fundraising,” Irene Soderberg last April at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Worthie Paul Meacham – WEHO TIMES
Worthie Paul Meacham – WEHO TIMESAccording to Mamma’s facebook page, LA Times has called Momma a “SoCal Drag Icon.”
This story will update as we learn more about memorial services.
We lost a legend in heart and style. We knew other a long time. Both Big Girls. Simular health problems. See you in heaven girl. Cathy Craig Female Impersonator (Florida)
He passed enough gas to cinge the hair in your nostrils!
Oh Sweet Worthie. Your light will always shine bright. You’ve touched my life in so many ways. You encouraged me to be fully myself even in spaces where that was seen as “too much.” Shirley is who she is today because you inspired me to have fun and not take drag too seriously. You’ve made my life better by being in it.
I will always sing like the birdies sing. Tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet and down.
Glitter Kisses.
Miss you more than you know.
You touched so many people, far and wide❤️
You were a true angel walking among us
I’m so proud to have had you play such a pivotal role in my development as a human on this planet.
And you were just so much fun to be around. I’ll miss your laugh.
And to the throngs of people who knew you better, and longer… I send love to you all from Canada. May all of our hearts mend with the happy memories we share ♥️
The world lost an angel with Mickey ears. It was over 25 years we both were casted in a play which I ended up dropping out. We have remained great friends since. Whenever I had family visiting from Maryland, Worthie always welcomed them. I am glad to have spent three days hanging out with him at Gay Days Disney. We talked about the first time we met. We hugged and said we loved each other. Love you so much Worthie. Say hi to Tommie.
Had known him for 40 years and many adventures together. Just saw him barely two months ago. He came to see me in a show. Am stunned.
I was blessed to meet mama in 1997 when she agreed to star in my bands video. She added a larger than life presence, and was such a pleasure to work with. I was blessed to see her again 22 years later while filming a home makeover show Our house. She was our surprise guest. What a surprise. So glad to have seen her again and so glad to have known her. Here’s a link to the video mama starred in. https://youtu.be/27fXqqawxes?si=1yW9xgwn6LOWVmD1
Sorry, I put the wrong link. This is the link to our video. https://youtu.be/UzMKbF-rwrI?si=j3QsZlOaGPvSppy8.
Ohhhhhh Momma….may you dance up there in joy with love and light.
Way too soon. He was a kind man with a great laugh. Had fabulous parties and was all great to have a one on one chat. God bless him.
Very sad news. I hadn’t seen Momma in quite some time and was just thinking about Worthie not that long ago. RIP.
Very sad news. Worthy was a force of nature. Deepest condolences to all whose lives were touched by this memorable performer and gracious human being.