Matt Wright’s family is being supported after the former Ellen DeGeneres Show producer’s sudden death.
“In an unfathomable tragedy, Matt Wright passed away Oct 30th while working remotely in Los Angeles,” a GoFundMe message read. “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.”
The note continued, “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.”
The GoFundMe has raised more than $75,000 at time of publication, surpassing its initial $50,000 goal. Ellen DeGeneres, for her part, donated $5,000.
“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,” the description read. “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 GoFundMe explained that Matt’s sister, Mandy, would be receiving the funds and making sure they are going toward “getting Matt to Justin & Matt’s family,” as well as New York funeral costs and Los Angeles memorial costs. Any further funds raised would be “set up in a trust for Matt’s pride & joy — his niece Sami.”
Wright, who worked as an executive producer on the daytime talk show, was remembered by DeGeneres, 68, as an “amazing guy” who made her laugh.
“We’re going to miss him. He is, and always will be, the glue to our entire family at The Ellen Show,” she said in a Monday, November 2, Instagram video, before adding, “I don’t know what I’m saying. Anyway, and to Justin, his husband, and to his family, I’m so sorry. Because we lost a good guy. He was a good guy.”
After working on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Wright also helped launch The Jennifer Hudson Show in 2022. Jennifer Hudson shared that she was “so saddened” by Wright’s death.
“He was just back to visit on Thursday for our Halloween show!” she wrote via Instagram, alongside photos of the pair. “He made such a huge impact on so many people in this industry and beyond! My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Matt! 💜.”
