Former “Ellen” Executive Producer Matthew Wright Dies, Ellen DeGeneres Shares Emotional Tribute
Matthew Wright, a longtime producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died at 52, prompting heartfelt tributes and a successful GoFundMe campaign for his family.
Death of a Beloved Producer
Former executive producer Matthew Wright died on Friday at the age of 52, according to a GoFundMe campaign created for his family. The campaign described his passing as an “unfathomable tragedy.” Wright was working remotely in Los Angeles when he died, while his family resides in New York.
Financial Relief Effort
The GoFundMe post explained that “the unexpected costs of getting Matt home, a funeral and a memorial are impossible for the family to bear.” The fundraiser set a target of $50,000 to cover funeral expenses, a memorial and a trust for Wright’s niece. By Monday afternoon, the campaign had already exceeded that goal.
Ellen DeGeneres’ Tribute
Ellen DeGeneres posted a tearful video on Instagram on Monday, remembering Wright’s tenure on her show from 2006 through its finale in 2022. She said, He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh… He is and always will be the glue to our entire family at The Ellen Show. DeGeneres also noted Wright’s close friendship with former show DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in 2022, adding that she believes the two are now “dancing and laughing” together in the afterlife.
DeGeneres concluded her tribute with a compilation of Wright’s funniest moments, including a segment titled “Strong Opinions With Matt,” in which he humorously chastised restaurants for serving too many appetizers.
Colleagues Remember Wright
Former Ellen executive producer Andy Lassner shared Instagram photos taken “hours” before Wright’s death while they were on the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where Lassner now works. Lassner wrote, “We are all in shock. He was a brilliant producer and an even better human being… The way he looked after his mom, flying back and forth from Los Angeles to New York practically every weekend before she died, showed what an incredible son he was.”
Former The Real co‑host Loni Love posted on Facebook that she was “devastated and heartbroken,” describing Wright as “a talented, sweet man and always game for anything.” She sent condolences to his husband, Justin, and to his family and friends.
Industry Reflection
Matthew Wright’s death highlights the personal toll that recent layoffs in the television production sector can have on individuals and their families. The swift outpouring of support from colleagues and fans underscores the close‑knit nature of daytime television crews and the lasting impact a producer can have on a show’s culture.
Wright’s legacy lives on in the laughter he helped create and the deep bonds he forged with his colleagues.
