The Matt Wright cause of death has been disclosed: the former producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show died of cardiopulmonary arrest on Oct. 30 at age 52, according to a death certificate obtained by People. Hypertension was identified as the underlying condition, while obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity were listed as contributing factors.
Wright spent 16 years with the daytime talk show, joining in 2006 and staying until its conclusion in 2022. He also appeared on camera in recurring comedy bits, including a segment called “Strong Opinions with Matt.”
Health Struggles Preceded Death
Before the certificate was released, reports indicated that Wright had been dealing with heart-related issues. The document now provides a fuller of the medical factors involved in his death.
Wright died while working remotely in Los Angeles, according to a GoFundMe organized to assist his husband, Justin, and family with funeral and related expenses. The fundraiser described the loss as an “unfathomable tragedy” and noted that both Wright and his husband had been laid off earlier in the summer.
DeGeneres Pays Tribute
Ellen DeGeneres, 68, posted an Instagram video on Nov. 2 remembering Wright. She called him an amazing person who made her laugh and often surprised her, and she described him as smart and kind. She said everyone loved him and that his death was shocking.
DeGeneres also shared clips of Wright’s appearances on the show, including the “Strong Opinions with Matt” segment.
Fundraiser and Backlash
The GoFundMe set a $50,000 goal to cover the costs of bringing Wright home, a funeral and a memorial. DeGeneres contributed $5,000, a donation that drew criticism online from users who argued she could have covered the entire goal. The fundraiser has since surpassed its target, reaching more than $98,000 as of Friday.
Wright’s loved ones also encouraged DeGeneres to give more, according to an earlier exclusive report.
Show’s Legacy and Later Years
The Ellen DeGeneres Show faced a major scandal in 2020 when former employees accused the host of fostering a toxic workplace marked by racism, fear and intimidation. DeGeneres apologized on camera but maintained that her on-screen persona was genuine. The show ended two years later.
In her 2024 comedy special For Your Approval, DeGeneres said the idea that anyone considered her mean was devastating and had consumed her for a long time. She added that she had stopped caring after a lifetime of caring. DeGeneres has lived in England with wife Portia de Rossi since late 2024 and has said she is happy not being a boss, a brand or a billboard—just a person.
