Matt Wright, a longtime producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was dealing with undisclosed heart problems before he died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 30, according to people familiar with his situation. He was 52. No official cause of death has been released, and the Matt Wright heart problems had not been publicly discussed before his death.
A Private Health Struggle
Those close to Wright knew he had been living with heart issues, though the specifics of his condition and treatment have not been made public. His death came unexpectedly, leaving friends and former colleagues describing themselves as stunned and heartbroken. The news of his private health struggle emerged only after his passing.
Fundraiser for Funeral and Family
Following Wright’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was started to help cover the cost of transporting his body to his hometown in New York for burial. The funds are also intended to support a memorial in Los Angeles. The campaign had an initial goal of $50,000 and has since raised nearly double that amount.
According to the fundraiser page, any remaining contributions will go toward Wright’s niece, Sami, described as his pride and joy. The campaign was launched in part because Wright and his husband, Justin Fusella, had both been laid off from their jobs earlier in the summer.
A Career Built on Hard Work
Wright spent 16 years at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, rising to the role of executive producer. A source recalled that he often stayed at the office until 11 p.m., a sign of the work ethic that defined his career. In total, he won nine Emmy Awards as a producer.
His résumé also included work on The View, The Drew Barrymore Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show. Just hours before his death, Wright visited Hudson on the set of her talk show.
DeGeneres Donation Draws Scrutiny
DeGeneres made a public $5,000 donation to the GoFundMe, a contribution that quickly drew criticism online. Social media users questioned the size of the gift given her wealth, with one commenter calling it a small fraction of her net worth and another sarcastically labeling it generous.
People who knew Wright reportedly wished his former boss had given more. “People who knew him do wish Ellen was doing more,” a source on the set said.
Memorials Planned on Both Coasts
Talks are underway for a celebration of life that would likely take place in both Los Angeles and New York, reflecting the many close relationships Wright maintained on each coast. No date has been announced.
