Ellen DeGeneres Mourns ‘Ellen Show’ EP Matthew Wright After His Death at 52

Matthew Wright Dies at 52

Matthew Wright, an executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show who frequently appeared on camera during the daytime talk show’s run, died on October 30 at the age of 52. Wright was working remotely in Los Angeles at the time of his death, which organizers of a fundraising campaign described as an “unfathomable tragedy.” No cause of death has been released.

The sudden loss prompted emotional tributes from colleagues, led by host Ellen DeGeneres and fellow producer Andy Lassner. Wright worked on the daytime program for 16 years, spanning from 2006 until the show concluded in 2022. Beyond his production duties behind the scenes, he became a familiar face to viewers through recurring on-camera bits, most notably the “Strong Opinions with Matt” segments.

Tributes and Memories From the Ellen DeGeneres Show Family

DeGeneres posted a tearful video on Instagram describing Wright as “the glue to our entire family” at the show, noting that the two had recently been preparing to collaborate on a new project. “He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said. She offered condolences to Wright’s husband, Justin, and reflected on Wright’s close friendship with the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who passed away in 2022 at age 40. She pictured the two together again, “dancing and laughing.” DeGeneres also stated, I think this is going to be a really… I don’t know what I’m saying. Anyway. Furthermore, she added, And to Justin, his husband, and to his family, it’s… I’m so sorry, because we lost a good guy.

Andy Lassner, another executive producer on the program, shared photographs of Wright visiting the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show just hours before his death. “We are all in shock. He was a brilliant producer and an even better human being,” Lassner wrote, highlighting Wright’s dedication to caring for his mother prior to her passing. Lassner also noted, We should have had so much more time with him. Wright’s survivors include his husband Justin Fusella.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Memorial Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign was organized by the Leman family to help cover funeral expenses and reunite Wright’s husband, father, sister, and niece—who are based in New York—for a memorial service in Los Angeles. The fundraiser’s description noted that both Wright and his husband had been laid off during the summer, leaving the family facing unexpected financial strain. DeGeneres contributed $5,000 to the effort.

The campaign organizers remembered Wright’s distinct personality, writing, “If Matt has ever made you laugh, said an encouraging word right when you needed it, or ordered one too many appetizers for the enjoyment of the whole table, now is the time to repay the favor.” Organizers additionally wrote, He was kind…everyone loved him.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wright’s Career and Legacy

What roles did Matthew Wright hold on television?

Wright spent 16 years as an executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2006 to 2022 and frequently appeared on camera in segments like “Strong Opinions with Matt.” He also worked as a producer on Ellen’s Game of Games in 2017-18, the 2009 special Ellen’s Bigger, Longer & Uncut, and began his television career as a producer on the SoapNet series Soap Talk between 2002 and 2006.

What is known about the circumstances of his death?

Wright died on October 30 at the age of 52 while working remotely in Los Angeles. The GoFundMe campaign organized for his family described the event as an unfathomable tragedy, but organizers did not disclose a cause of death.

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