Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Hudson mourn producer Matthew Wright after his death at 52
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Hudson have mourned the loss of longtime daytime television producer Matthew Wright, who died at the age of 52.
DeGeneres became emotional while remembering Wright in an Instagram video, while Hudson revealed that she had met him just a day before his death on October 30.
Ellen DeGeneres mourns producer Matthew Wright's death
In a video shared on Instagram on November 2, the visibly emotional comedian, 68, said, “Hi, everybody. So, Matt Wright, who was our executive producer and was featured on our show a lot, died the other day. And he was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh.”
She further revealed that Wright often surprised her and was loved by everyone on her now-canceled show, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, which ended in 2022. “I loved him, and it's just shocking,” the actress said.
Ellen DeGeneres remembers Wright's bond with Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
DeGeneres also described Wright as someone who “and always will be, the glue to our entire family at the Ellen Show.”
She then offered her condolences to his husband and family, saying, “And to Justin, his husband and to his family, I'm so sorry, because we lost a good guy. He was a good guy.”
The TV host also remembered her talk show's co-executive producer and DJ Stephen "tWitch" Boss, who died in 2022.
“He and tWitch were so close. So now he and tWitch are together, dancing and laughing,” she added.
Jennifer Hudson recalls meeting Matthew Wright before his death
In her tribute, Hudson described Wright as “one of our former producers who helped launch @jenniferhudsonshow,” alongside two photos of herself with him.
“He was just back to visit on Thursday for our Halloween show! 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!” she added.
Andy Lassner pays tribute to longtime friend Matthew Wright
Andy Lassner, who also worked as an executive producer on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, remembered Wright and expressed shock over his passing.
In an Instagram post, he said, “These photos were taken Thursday, while we were taping our Halloween show. Matt came by to visit. A few hours later, he was gone. We are all in shock.”
“My heart breaks for his husband, Justin, his family, and all of us who loved him. I was so lucky to work beside Matt for so many years and to call him my friend. We should have had so much more time with him,” Lassner stated.
Meanwhile, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for the Wright family and his husband, Justin, Wright died in “an unfathomable tragedy”.
“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,” the message on the page read.
