Ellen DeGeneres is among several television personalities stepping forward to support the family of former Ellen DeGeneres Show executive producer Matthew Wright following his sudden death at 52.
A public GoFundMe donor list shows a $5,000 contribution under Ellen’s name, while Allison Holker Boss, widow of the show’s former DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, is listed as donating $500.
Other familiar names from the television industry have also contributed. Ellen’s longtime executive producer Andy Lassner is listed with a $1,000 donation, while Dancing with the Stars executive producer Conrad Green is credited with the same amount.
The contributions come after Wright died suddenly on Friday, October 30, while working remotely in Los Angeles, according to the fundraiser.
His family described the loss as an “unfathomable tragedy” and explained that the circumstances surrounding his death have created unexpected financial challenges.
The fundraiser says Wright and his husband, Justin, were both laid off during the summer. His sudden passing has left the family facing the costs of transporting his body back to New York, arranging his funeral and organising a memorial service in Los Angeles.
Ellen also paid an emotional tribute to her former colleague in an Instagram video shared on Monday. She remembered Wright as a funny, intelligent and kind person who was loved by everyone on the show.
The former talk-show host also revealed that the two had been planning to work together on a new project before his unexpected death.
Lassner shared his own heartfelt tribute, revealing that Wright had visited the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show just hours before he died.
The fundraising campaign is intended to help the family manage the immediate expenses associated with his death. According to the organisers, any money remaining after those costs are covered will be placed in a trust for Wright’s niece, Sami.
Wright’s death has prompted an outpouring of support from people connected to the television industry, with former colleagues and friends helping his family navigate an incredibly difficult period.
He was 52.
