Jason Wood was a talented and versatile performer who entertained audiences with his musical impersonations, his flamboyant style, and his warm-hearted personality. He was also one of the contestants on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004. Sadly, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 38 on February 20, 2010. What was the cause of his death and how did the comedy world react to his loss? Here is a brief overview of his life and career, and a tribute to his legacy.
Early Life and Career
Jason Wood was born on January 21, 1972, in Luton, Bedfordshire. He showed an interest in performing from an early age, joining the church choir at St Mary’s, Luton, when he was 12. He was a dean’s chorister and a soloist, and often sang at weddings for a fee of £5. His father, Brian, recalled that his son had a remarkable voice and could move people to tears with his singing.
After leaving school, Jason completed a hairdressing course at Barnfield College, in Luton, and began singing in local pubs and clubs. He then moved into variety, appearing in shows in London at the Hackney Empire and Shepherd’s Bush Empire at the age of 18. He also toured his drag act, Cher Travesty, around working men’s clubs before becoming a regular on the gay club circuit.
Comedy Breakthrough and Strictly Come Dancing
In 2000, Jason met the comedy agent Hannah Chambers, who helped him transition into more mainstream comedy. He started to headline at UK comedy and cabaret clubs, and to perform internationally in places like South Africa, Shanghai, Singapore, and Las Vegas. He also developed his musical comedy skills, impersonating singers from Cher and Morrissey to Sarah Brightman and Luciano Pavarotti.
Jason made his first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2001, as part of the sketch show Wild On TV. He returned every year after that, except for 2007, with his own solo shows, such as Bare Camp, My Anus Horribilis, and Wood Whistle. He also starred in a play, Unnatural Acts, by Nick Awde and Chris Bartlett, in 2007, which received critical acclaim.
Jason’s television break came in 2004, when he was one of the contestants on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with the dancer Kylie Jones. He was praised for his transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly in one week
