Tribute to Esteemed Producer Matthew Wright

The esteemed television producer Matthew Wright, known for his work with prominent celebrity hosts, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. Wright’s career included significant roles on shows like The Drew Barrymore Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The Drew Barrymore Show paid homage to Wright by dedicating its Wednesday, November 4, episode to his memory. The show’s official Instagram page shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Today’s show is dedicated to the memory of our former colleague, Matt Wright, who passed away unexpectedly last week. We are grateful for the time we shared and the lasting impact he made on our team. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Matt will be deeply missed and always remembered.”

Wright passed away on Friday, October 30, in Los Angeles. Beyond his contributions to Barrymore’s show, he also made his mark on The View and The Jennifer Hudson Show. Over a span of 16 years, he advanced to the role of executive producer at The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Jennifer Hudson, 45, shared her sorrow on Instagram, reflecting on her recent interaction with Wright during a visit to her show’s set. She wrote, “So saddened by the loss of Matt Wright, one of our former producers who helped launch @jenniferhudsonshow. 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.”

Ellen DeGeneres, in a tearful video tribute, remembered Wright with fondness. “He was an amazing guy,” she expressed. “He was funny. God, he made me laugh. He would surprise me with things that he did all the time. He was smart. He was kind. He was the part of our show that — I mean, everyone loved him.” DeGeneres added, “I loved him. And it’s just shocking — it’s shocking.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to support Wright’s family, noting that he “died suddenly but peacefully in his sleep.” The memorial on the page describes him as “sweetly stubborn and stubbornly sweet, persistently curious and curiously persistent, profoundly loving and lovingly profound.”

Matthew Wright is survived by his husband, Justin Fusella, his father, David Wright, his sister, Mandy Wright, and his niece, Samantha Wright.