Television producer Matthew Wright, who spent 16 years working on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” died from cardiopulmonary arrest, according to a death certificate obtained by People magazine. He was 52 years old.
Wright died on Oct. 30 while working remotely in Los Angeles, his family announced. The death certificate listed hypertension as an underlying cause, along with obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity as contributing factors, People reported.
Colleagues Mourn an Emmy-Winning Career
Wright worked on DeGeneres’ daytime program starting in 2006 and remained with the production until the syndicated talk show concluded in 2022. Over the course of his television career, Wright earned nine Daytime Emmy Awards and rose through the ranks to serve as an executive producer.
Beyond his behind-the-scenes leadership, Wright occasionally stepped before the camera. He appeared in comedic segments, including a recurring feature titled “Strong Opinions with Matt,” Deadline reported. Outside the talk show, his production credits included prime-time projects such as “Ellen’s Game of Games” and the 2009 special “Ellen’s Bigger, Longer & Uncut,” along with daytime broadcasts including “The View,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and “Soap Talk.”
DeGeneres shared an emotional tribute on social media following news of his death, expressing disbelief over the loss.
“He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said in a video posted online. “He was smart, he was kind, he was part of our show. Everyone loved him.”
DeGeneres noted that the two had been preparing to collaborate on an upcoming project, calling Wright “the glue to our entire family at the Ellen Show.”
Former executive producer Andy Lassner also honored his longtime colleague on Instagram, stating that he had spent time with Wright just hours before his death when Wright visited the studio during a taping. Lassner described him as a brilliant producer and deeply devoted son who frequently traveled across the country to care for his late mother.
Support for Grieving Family
Wright’s family organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of transporting his remains to New York, as well as funding funeral and memorial services. Organizers described his passing as an sudden tragedy, noting that he died peacefully in his sleep.
The fundraiser noted that both Wright and his husband, Justin, had been laid off earlier in the summer, leaving the household facing significant unexpected expenses. Surpassing its original $50,000 target, the effort raised nearly $100,000 within days, according to Page Six and The Mirror US. Organizers stated that surplus contributions would be placed into a trust fund for Wright’s niece.
Public records show DeGeneres contributed $5,000 to the memorial fund, a gesture that drew mixed reactions from online commentators pointing to the former host’s personal wealth, the Daily Mail reported.
Memorial arrangements and public service details in New York and Los Angeles are expected to be finalized by Wright’s surviving family members, including his husband, father, sister and niece.
