Jennifer Hudson Pays Tribute to Matthew Wright, Reveals Late 'Ellen Show' Producer Was On Set With Her Ahead of His Death
Hudson remembers Wright’s visit
Hudson posted a tribute to Wright on Instagram after news of his sudden death. She said he had been at her show the Thursday before, visiting during its Halloween episode.
Hudson credited Wright with helping launch The Jennifer Hudson Show. She also wrote that he had made a significant difference to people in the entertainment industry and beyond, and sent condolences to his family and loved ones.
A long career with Ellen
Wright spent 16 years as a producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Hudson’s program films on the stage previously used by Ellen’s show. Hudson’s post linked Wright’s work on the earlier program to the start of her own talk show. She ended her message by wishing him peace.
Family seeks help with costs
A GoFundMe created to support his family called the death an “unfathomable tragedy.” The page says his husband, Justin, and relatives are seeking assistance with funeral and memorial expenses. The fundraiser says Justin and Wright were both laid off during the summer. It also describes family members in New York hoping to travel for a proper goodbye and notes the costs of bringing Wright home.
Key points
- Hudson said Wright visited her Halloween show shortly before his death.
- Wright worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for 16 years and helped launch Hudson’s program.
- He died October 30 at 52 while working remotely in Los Angeles.
- A fundraiser is seeking support for funeral and memorial expenses.