Jennifer Hudson Saw Talk Show Producer Matthew Wright Day Before His Death

Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her late former colleague, Matthew Wright, after his unexpected death.

Wright, who previously served as a producer on The Jennifer Hudson Show, died at the age of 52 on Friday, October 30. In a Monday, November 2, Instagram post, Hudson revealed that she saw Wright just one day before his death.

“So saddened by the loss of Matt Wright, one of our former producers who helped launch @jenniferhudsonshow,” she wrote alongside photos of the pair on the talk show’s set and working behind the scenes. “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!”

Hudson concluded her tribute by writing, “My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Matt!”

Fans and celebrities offered their condolences in the post’s comments. “So sorry you’ve all lost the loveliest soul. Sending you my love. XXXXX,” Hannah Waddingham wrote. One user said, “He was a solid dude! Always had jokes to share.” Another added, “He such a blessing to you and many people in the industry, Rest in peace and our beloved Matt you will forever be in our prayers!!!”

Someone else shared, “We love you Matt. Rest in peace.” A different person posted, “Sorry for the loss, Matt was a brilliant producer, sending my condolences and prayers.” A separate commenter stated, “Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone on the Jennifer Hudson show.”

 

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According to Wright’s LinkedIn profile, he worked as a consulting producer on The Jennifer Hudson Show from 2022 to 2023. Wright also worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Drew Barrymore Show.

Following his death, a GoFundMe page was launched to help raise money for Wright’s family and funeral costs. Per the page, Wright passed away due to an “unfathomable tragedy” and was working remotely in Los Angeles after being laid off this summer.

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Ellen DeGeneres also took to Instagram on Monday to share kind words about Wright. “He was an amazing guy. He was funny. God, he made me laugh. He would surprise me with things that he did all the time,” she tearfully said. “He was smart and he was kind. Everyone loved him. Everyone loved him. I loved him. It’s just shocking.”

DeGeneres noted that she and Wright were about to start working on an undisclosed project together. “We’re gonna miss him. He is, and always will be, the glue to our entire family at the Ellen Show,” she said, adding that Wright was close with colleague Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in 2022. “So now, he and tWitch are together, dancing and laughing.”

DeGeneres’ post also featured clips of Wright on her talk show over the years. “We love you, Matt,” read a title card at the end of the video.

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