Matthew Wright, Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer, Dies at 52

Matthew Wright, a longtime executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died at 52, according to a fundraising campaign established by his family. The campaign says he died October 30 while working remotely in Los Angeles. It did not give an immediate cause of death. Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Wright in an emotional Instagram video posted November 2, describing him as funny, smart and kind. She said she and Wright had been preparing to start a project together and called his death shocking. DeGeneres also said he had been a central part of the show’s team and that he would be missed. Wright worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for 16 years, from 2006 until the program ended in 2022. He was also featured on the show, including in a recurring segment called Strong Opinions With Matt. In a message shared after the show concluded, Wright said he had made close friends, had memorable experiences and was grateful for the opportunity. Andy Lassner, a former executive producer on the program, said Wright visited him on the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show hours before his death. Lassner remembered him as a talented producer and friend. He also spoke about Wright’s devotion to his...