Matthew Wright Dead: Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Dies at 52

Matthew Wright Dies at 52

Matthew Wright, an executive producer of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” who frequently appeared on camera during the daytime program’s run, died on Oct. 30 at the age of 52, USA Today reported. Wright was working remotely in Los Angeles at the time of his death, which organizers of a fundraising campaign for his family described as an “unfathomable tragedy.” While the GoFundMe page did not specify a cause of death, it noted that his husband, Justin, and other family members are based in New York and working to bring him home for a funeral.

Tributes From Colleagues and Ellen DeGeneres

In a tearful Instagram video posted on Nov. 2, host Ellen DeGeneres remembered Wright as an essential part of the production team. “He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said in her tribute, adding that she and Wright had recently been preparing to launch a new project together. DeGeneres donated $5,000 to the family’s GoFundMe campaign and called Wright “the glue to our entire family” at the show. She also noted his close friendship with the late show DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in 2022, expressing hope that the two were reunited.

Fellow executive producer Andy Lassner shared photos of himself and Wright taken on the set of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on Thursday, just hours before Wright died. “We are all in shock. He was a brilliant producer and an even better human being,” Lassner wrote on Instagram, highlighting Wright’s dedication to his family and friends. Former “The Real” co-host Loni Love also shared her grief on Facebook, describing Wright as a sweet and talented man.

Funeral Fundraising and Family Support

The GoFundMe campaign established for Wright’s family sought to cover the unexpected costs of funeral arrangements in New York, a memorial service in Los Angeles, and travel expenses to reunite his husband, father, sister, and niece. The campaign also noted that both Wright and his husband had been laid off during the summer. Any remaining funds will be placed into a trust for Wright’s niece, Sami. By Monday afternoon, the fundraiser had already surpassed its $50,000 goal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wright

What role did Matthew Wright have on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”?

Wright served as an executive producer on the program from 2006 until the series ended in 2022. He also made frequent on-camera appearances during segments, including a recurring feature where he discussed his strong opinions on restaurant appetizers.

Where did Matthew Wright pass away?

Wright died on Oct. 30 while working remotely in Los Angeles, while his immediate family members were located in New York.

Who has contributed to honoring Matthew Wright?

Host Ellen DeGeneres posted a video tribute and donated $5,000 to his family’s memorial fund, while fellow executive producer Andy Lassner and television personality Loni Love shared public statements mourning his death.

More on this story: Ellen DeGeneres Honors Late Producer Matthew Wright