Ellen DeGeneres Mourns 'Ellen Show' EP Matthew Wright, Dead at 52

Deadline · 2026-11-02
Ellen DeGeneres Mourns 'Ellen Show' EP Matthew Wright, Dead at 52

Matthew Wright, a longtime executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died Friday, October 30, in Los Angeles at age 52. Wright spent 16 years with the daytime talk show and was a familiar on-air presence, often appearing in segments. Ellen DeGeneres shared an emotional video tribute, calling the loss an 'unfathomable tragedy' and praising Wright's warmth and humor. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his family, reflecting the deep impact he had on colleagues and viewers alike. Wright's death highlights the close-knit nature of the show's production team and the personal bonds formed over nearly two decades. His passing is a significant loss for the entertainment community, and DeGeneres' public grief underscores the profound connection between the host and her longtime collaborator. As tributes pour in, Wright's legacy as a beloved behind-the-scenes force will endure.