Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matt Wright: Cause of Death Revealed at 52

Death certificate details

Wright died from cardiopulmonary arrest on Oct. 30, according to a death certificate obtained by People. The document lists hypertension as an underlying cause, and obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity as contributing factors.

He was 52. A GoFundMe set up for his husband, Justin, and family described his death as an “unfathomable tragedy” while he was working remotely in Los Angeles.

DeGeneres remembers Wright

In an Instagram video posted on Nov. 2, DeGeneres spoke about Wright’s death. “He made me laugh,” she said, recalling how he often surprised her. DeGeneres also called him smart and kind, and said people loved him. She shared clips of his appearances on the show, including the recurring segment “Strong Opinions with Matt.”

Fundraiser draws donations

The GoFundMe sought help with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as the cost of bringing Wright home. The page said Wright and Justin had both been laid off that summer and described the costs as impossible for the family to bear.

DeGeneres contributed $5,000. Her donation prompted online debate over whether she could have covered the fundraiser’s full $50,000 target; by Tuesday morning, nearly 400 donations had pushed the total beyond that goal.

Sixteen years on the show

Wright began working on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2006 and stayed until it ended in 2022. He appeared on the program several times, often taking part in comedic segments.

The show faced allegations in 2020, when 10 former employees accused DeGeneres of fostering a toxic workplace marked by racism, fear and intimidation. She later apologized to those affected and addressed the controversy in her 2024 comedy special, For Your Approval.