LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Matthew Wright, an executive producer who worked behind the scenes of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for 16 years, has died at 52 following what his family described as an “unfathomable tragedy” while he was working remotely in Los Angeles on Friday.
Wright’s death was announced through a GoFundMe campaign created by his husband, father, sister and niece, who are currently in New York. The family launched the fundraiser to help cover the unexpected costs of bringing Wright home for a funeral and memorial service.
Advertisement
“We’re asking for all of his friends, who Matt loved so fully, to help the family at this time,” the fundraising page states. “As many of you know, Matt & Justin were both laid off this summer. And the unexpected costs of getting Matt home, a funeral and a memorial are impossible for the family to bear.”
Via GoFundMe:
In an unfathomable tragedy, Matt Wright passed away Oct 30th while working remotely in Los Angeles. His husband, father, sister and niece are in New York, desperate to be reunited for a proper goodbye. We’re asking for all of his friends, who Matt loved so fully, to help the family at this time. As many of you know, Matt & Justin were both laid off this summer. And the unexpected costs of getting Matt home, a funeral and a memorial are impossible for the family to bear.
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. Please donate what you can and share this with anyone who’s been in the orbit of Matt’s huge heart. And when you’re at dinner and see a sunset, know that Matt is looking down, loving you, but wildly disappointed in what you ordered.
The family also remembered Wright for his humor, generosity and ability to make people feel welcome, asking those whose lives he touched to help them during the difficult time.
Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Wright in an Instagram video, remembering him as an “amazing guy” who regularly made her laugh.
“He was funny. God, he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said. “He would surprise me with things that he did all the time. He was smart. He was kind. He was the part of our show that — I mean, everyone loved him.”
Wright also worked on the launch of “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Jennifer Hudson shared her condolences after learning of his death, noting that Wright had visited the program just one day before his death for its Halloween show.
“So saddened by the loss of Matt Wright, one of our former producers who helped launch @jenniferhudsonshow. He was just back to visit on Thursday for our Halloween show!” Hudson wrote.
Wright’s family has not announced an official cause of death. The GoFundMe campaign is seeking assistance with transportation, funeral and memorial expenses so his loved ones can bring him home to New York for a proper goodbye.
Wright’s death has prompted tributes from former colleagues and performers whose television careers he helped shape. His family’s fundraiser describes a man remembered by friends for his humor, kindness and generosity.
The fundraiser was organized by Wright’s family, who are based in New York, to help bring him home from Los Angeles. The map below identifies Los Angeles, where he was working remotely when the reported tragedy occurred; it does not identify a specific location.
Google Maps: Los Angeles, California (general location)
DEVELOPING::