Matthew Wright, Longtime Executive Producer for Ellen DeGeneres, Passes Away at 52

Remembering Television Producer Matt Wright

Matthew Wright, a prominent television figure who spent 16 years working as an executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has passed away at the age of 52. He died on Friday, October 30, while working remotely in Los Angeles, according to a fundraiser organized to support his family.

No specific details regarding the cause of his death have been publicly shared at this time. Family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover unexpected funeral, memorial, and travel costs to reunite him with his husband, father, sister, and niece in New York.

Tributes From Ellen DeGeneres and Colleagues

Following the news, host Ellen DeGeneres shared an emotional video remembering her longtime colleague. She described him as an amazing, funny, and smart person who was universally loved by the staff and served as the glue for the entire show family. Fellow executive producer Andy Lassner also expressed shock, highlighting Wright's brilliance as a producer and his dedication as a son and friend.

Career Highlights on Television

Beyond his extensive tenure on The Ellen DeGeneres Show—where he also frequently appeared in the recurring segment titled “Strong Opinions with Matt”—Wright worked across several other projects. His production credits included episodes of Ellen’s Game of Games during 2017–2018 and the 2009 special Ellen’s Bigger, Longer & Uncut. He originally launched his television career as a producer on the SoapNet series Soap Talk from 2002 to 2006.

Wright is survived by his husband, Justin Fusella.

Sources: Deadline, KTLA, Yahoo.