Matthew Wright, Longtime Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer, Dies at 52
Matthew L. Wright, longtime executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has died at 52 in Los Angeles. Ellen DeGeneres and colleagues paid emotional tributes to his memory.
TV host Ellen DeGeneres is mourning the sudden passing of Matthew L. Wright, her longtime executive producer and frequent on-air collaborator, who died Friday in Los Angeles at the age of 52.
In an emotional video tribute shared on social media, DeGeneres fought back tears as she remembered her close friend and colleague. "He was an amazing person. He was funny. God, he made me laugh," DeGeneres said. "He constantly surprised me with things he did. He was smart. He was kind. He was just the glue that held our whole Ellen show family together."
Wright spent 16 years working on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, joining the production in 2006 and remaining until the series concluded in 2022. Beyond his work behind the scenes, he became a fan favorite through his recurring segment, 'Strong Opinions with Matt.' He also produced episodes of 'Ellen's Game of Games' and her 2009 comedy special. DeGeneres noted that they had recently been planning to collaborate on a new project.
Reflecting on the loss, DeGeneres made a touching reference to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, the show's beloved DJ who passed away in December 2022. "Now he and tWitch are together, dancing and laughing," she said. Andy Lassner, another executive producer from the talk show, also paid tribute, sharing photos of Wright taken just a day before his passing during a visit to the set of 'The Jennifer Hudson Show.' Lassner praised his brilliance as a producer and his unwavering devotion to his friends and family.
While the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, a GoFundMe page established to support his family notes that he passed away unexpectedly in Los Angeles during a workday. His husband, Justin, and grieving relatives are currently working to transport his remains to New York for burial and memorial services.
