- Matt Uzzle, 50, was found dead in his home in Piermont, New York, on February 13th
- He was in charge of Sherri Shepherd's daytime talk show
- Uzzle was reportedly under investigation for his handling of the show's budget
An executive at the popular daytime talk show “Sherri” has apparently died by suicide amid reports of his handling of the show's budget.
Matt Uzzle, 50, was found dead during a police welfare check at his home in Piermont, New York, on February 13th. Sources said the death appeared to be a suicide.
Uzzle previously ran “The Wendy William's Show” and continued as production manager for Sherri Shepherd when she took over the syndicated time slot with her own self-titled show.
The show's parent company, Debmar-Mercury, investigated Uzzle after learning that the show had not paid rent at New York's Chelsea Studios since September, according to Page Six.
A spokesman for the company told : “Debmar-Mercury has retained.” [law firm] “Morgan Lewis will assist us in our investigation of the matter and will have no further comment until the conclusion of that investigation.”
Matt Uzzle, 50, was found dead on February 13 during a police welfare check at his home in Piermont, New York. Sherri aired a tribute (above) at the end of the February 15 episode
Uzzle's primary role was to manage production and oversee the budget at Sherri.
According to Page Six's sources, there have been recent complaints about petty cash issues in several departments.
“There was great concern among staff that the show would be canceled. “Debmar had to step in,” one person told the outlet.
Uzzle reportedly told his superiors that he needed a few days to organize his paperwork after being confronted with the budget issues.
After not being heard from for several days, he was found dead by police during a welfare check in Piermont.
The police did not want to comment on the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
Public records show Uzzle lived in a condominium in Piermont. The condo last sold in 2015 for $590,000 and is currently valued at $782,000 by Redfin.
Uzzle was responsible for producing Sherri Shepherd (above) on her daytime talk show Sherri, which replaced The Wendy Williams Show
At the end of the February 15 episode, Sherri included an on-air “in memoriam” tribute to Uzzle.
Uzzle, who was nominated for an Emmy in 2016 for his work on The Wendy Williams Show, has also appeared on The Montel Williams Show and Maury.
Sherri launched in September 2022 and served as the successor to The Wendy Williams Show.
While Williams was absent for much of last season due to medical issues, Shepherd regularly filled in for Williams as an interim host.
“Sherri” is being filmed in the same studio as Williams' show with a remodeled set, and much of Williams' crew followed Shepherd to the new production.
For confidential support, call or text the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.