Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright Dies at 52

Matthew Wright, 52, died on October 30 while working remotely in Los Angeles. A fundraising page established to support his family confirmed the date and location of his death. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. ABC News has contacted the organizer of the fundraiser for further details.

Ellen DeGeneres shared an emotional tribute video on Instagram on Monday. In the clip, she described Wright as an amazing guy who made her laugh with his constant surprises. She called him smart and kind, noting that everyone on the team loved him. DeGeneres referred to Wright as the glue to the entire family at The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Andy Lassner, another executive producer, posted a tribute on Instagram on Sunday. Lassner, who now works on The Jennifer Hudson Show, shared photos taken just hours before Wright died. The images captured Wright visiting Lassner during the filming of the latter show's Halloween episode. Lassner wrote that he was in shock to learn his friend was gone only a few hours after their visit. He called Wright a brilliant producer and an even better human being.

Wright served as a producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2006 to 2022. His IMDb page lists his long tenure with the program. In 2022, he reflected on his 16 years with the show in an Instagram post. He wrote that the show allowed him to make best friends, have amazing experiences, and meet heroes. He also noted that he fell in love thanks to the program. Wright expressed gratitude to the show for taking a chance on him and changing his life.

Lassner expressed how his heart breaks for Wright's husband, Justin, and their family. He stated that he was lucky to work beside Wright for many years and to call him a friend. He added that they should have had much more time with him. DeGeneres echoed this sentiment, calling his death shocking and an unfathomable tragedy.