Matthew Wright Passes Away at 52 in Los Angeles
Matthew Wright, who served as an executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for 16 years, died suddenly on October 30 at the age of 52 while working remotely in Los Angeles. His sudden death has left his colleagues, family, and former host in profound shock, with no immediate cause of death publicly confirmed.
Ellen DeGeneres Shares Tearful Instagram Tribute
Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres posted an emotional video on Instagram on November 2, fighting back tears as she remembered her longtime colleague and friend. “He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said in the video. She described him as the “glue to our entire family” at the show and revealed that the two had recently been planning a new professional project together.
Colleagues Remember a Devoted Producer and Friend
Fellow executive producer Andy Lassner shared photos of Wright visiting the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday, just hours before his passing. Lassner praised Wright’s dedication to his late mother, noting how he regularly flew between Los Angeles and New York to care for her. Former The Real co-host Loni Love also offered her condolences.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Family Expenses
A GoFundMe fundraiser established to support Wright’s family described his death as an “unfathomable tragedy,” noting that his husband, Justin, along with his father, sister, and niece, are in New York seeking financial assistance. The campaign highlights that both Wright and his husband were laid off over the summer, making the unexpected costs of transporting his remains to New York and organizing memorial services an impossible burden for the family to bear.
Shared Grief With Stephen tWitch Boss
During her tribute video, DeGeneres connected Wright’s passing to the December 2022 death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the show’s former DJ and executive producer. DeGeneres noted that Wright and Boss were exceptionally close friends during their time on the daytime program, stating that the two are now “together, dancing and laughing.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wright
What roles did Matthew Wright hold on television?
Matthew Wright worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2006 until the program concluded in 2022, serving in various capacities including executive producer and appearing in on-screen segments like “Strong Opinions With Matt.”
What are the family’s immediate financial needs following his death?
According to the GoFundMe campaign organized for his relatives, the family requires financial help to cover funeral and memorial expenses and to transport Wright’s remains from Los Angeles to New York, where his husband Justin and immediate family reside.
When did colleagues last see Matthew Wright?
Andy Lassner stated on Instagram that Wright visited the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday, just hours before his death on October 30, while the production was taping its Halloween episode.
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