Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright Dies at 52

Matthew Wright, an executive producer who spent 16 years behind the scenes on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died at age 52. His passing marks the loss of a central figure in the production of the talk show that aired from 2006 to 2022.

Wright died on October 30 while working remotely in Los Angeles, according to a fundraising page established to support his family. The page describes the death as an unfathomable tragedy, though no cause of death has been publicly disclosed. ABC News has contacted the organizer of the fundraiser for further comment.

Ellen DeGeneres released an emotional video on Instagram on Monday to honor Wright. In the clip, she recalled his personality and his role within the production team. “He was an amazing guy,” she said. “He was funny. God, he made me laugh. He would surprise me with things that he did all the time. He was smart. He was kind.” She added that everyone who knew him loved him, calling the news “shocking.” DeGeneres referred to Wright as the glue to the entire family at the show.

Andy Lassner, another executive producer, shared his own tribute on Instagram on Sunday. Lassner, who now works as an executive producer on The Jennifer Hudson Show, noted that Wright had visited him on set on Thursday during the taping of the show’s Halloween episode. “A few hours later, he was gone,” Lassner wrote in the caption accompanying photos of the two. He described Wright as a brilliant producer and a better human being, adding that his heart broke for Wright’s husband, Justin, and their family.

Wright’s tenure on The Ellen DeGeneres Show spanned from 2006 until its final season in 2022. In a 2022 Instagram post marking the end of the program, Wright reflected on the impact the job had on his personal life. “How do I even begin to sum up 16 years of my life?” he wrote. He credited the show with helping him make best friends, experience amazing events, and meet heroes. Wright concluded the post by stating he would forever be grateful for the opportunity the show gave him, saying it changed his life.

The news of Wright’s death has highlighted the close-knit nature of the show’s production staff. Colleagues have expressed shock over the sudden loss, emphasizing Wright’s long-standing presence in the industry and his personal relationships within the team. The fundraising effort continues to gather support for his surviving family.