Entertainment · November 7, 2026
‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Producer Matthew Wright’s Cause of Death Revealed
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Matthew Wright, an executive producer on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', died at age 52 on October 30. His death certificate, which was obtained by People, reveals the primary cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest. Hypertension was identified as the underlying cause, while obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity were noted as contributing factors. Wright worked on the talk show for 16 years, earning nine Emmy Awards during his tenure. Following his passing, host Ellen DeGeneres and Wright's family released public tributes, with his family establishing a fundraiser to cover funeral and repatriation costs.
Read the original coverage
- TMZTabloid
'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Producer Matthew Wright's Cause of Death Revealed
Read at TMZ ↗ - DeadlineTrade
'Ellen DeGeneres Show' EP Matthew Wright's Cause Of Death Revealed
Read at Deadline ↗ ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Producer Matthew Wright’s Cause of Death Revealed
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- New York PostTabloid
‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ producer Matt Wright’s cause of death revealed
Read at New York Post ↗ - Us WeeklyCelebrity
‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Producer Matthew Wright’s Cause of Death Revealed
Read at Us Weekly ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Matthew Wright died at age 52.
- The primary cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest.
- Hypertension was the underlying cause of death.
- The death certificate was obtained by People.
- Wright was a producer for 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'.
Reported by only some outlets
- Wright died on October 30.
- Obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity were contributing factors.
- Wright worked on the show for 16 years.
- Wright died suddenly in his sleep while working remotely in Los Angeles.
- Wright was a nine-time Emmy winner.
- Wright and his husband, Justin, were both laid off in the summer of 2026.
- Ellen DeGeneres posted an Instagram tribute to Wright on November 2.
Confirmed
- Matthew Wright's cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest with hypertension as the underlying cause.
- Contributing conditions included sleep apnea and Class II obesity.
- He died at age 52 on October 30.
- He was a longtime producer for 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'.
Reported
- Wright had been suffering from heart problems prior to his passing. (New York Post)
- Wright and his husband were both laid off during the summer. (The Hollywood Reporter)
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