# Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright Dies at 52 Longtime executive producer Matthew Wright passed away from cardiopulmonary arrest in Los Angeles. - **Source:** [Us Weekly](https://www.usmagazine.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/26fbb16b-4d69-434c-95e1-34f3900fe611 ## Official Cause of Death Matthew Wright, the longtime executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died on October 30 at age 52. Official records state his cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest. Hypertension was identified as the underlying cause, while obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity were listed as contributing conditions to his passing. ## Career and Industry Impact Wright joined the daytime talk show in 2006 and dedicated 16 years to the production until its conclusion in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he rose through the ranks to become an executive producer. His professional excellence was recognized with nine Emmy awards, marking him as a significant figure in television production. ## Ellen DeGeneres' Emotional Tribute Ellen DeGeneres posted an emotional video on Instagram, describing Wright as the glue of their show family. She highlighted his humor, kindness, and intelligence, noting they were planning a new project together. DeGeneres expressed her shock and sorrow, reflecting on his close friendship with the late DJ Stephen tWitch Boss. ## Colleague and Friend Reactions Andy Lassner, a fellow producer who worked alongside Wright for years, shared a tribute revealing he saw Wright just hours before his death. Lassner described him as a brilliant producer and a better human being, emphasizing the collective shock felt by the staff who worked with him for over a decade. ## Financial Hardship and GoFundMe Wright’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and memorial costs. The fundraiser notes that Wright and his husband, Justin, were both laid off this summer, making the unexpected expenses impossible for the family to bear. They are currently seeking support to reunite his remains with family in New York. ## Circumstances of His Passing The producer died while working remotely in Los Angeles. His family described the event as an unfathomable tragedy. The GoFundMe page serves as a call to action for friends and colleagues to assist the family during this difficult period, honoring the memory of a man known for his generous, warm heart. ## Context of Television Production Executive producers like Wright manage the daily operations and creative direction of high-profile talk shows. The transition from active production to post-show life often involves shifting career paths. Wright’s death highlights the personal toll and financial vulnerabilities that can persist even after long, successful careers in the competitive entertainment industry. ## Legacy of a Producer Beyond his nine Emmy wins, Wright is remembered for his personal impact on the show's staff and his close relationships. As the industry mourns, the focus remains on supporting his husband and family. His legacy persists through the memories of colleagues who valued his humor, kindness, and professional dedication throughout years. ## Sources covering this story - [Us Weekly — Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright's Cause of Death Revealed](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ellen-producer-matthew-wrights-cause-of-death-revealed/) - [The Hollywood Reporter — Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright Dies at 52](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ellen-degeneres-show-producer-matthew-wright-cause-of-death-1236749895/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._