Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show paid tribute to a top CEO after his death earlier this month. The show featured an In Memoriam greeting card for Matt Uzzle, the executive in charge of the syndicated speaker, during the February 15 episode.
Uzzle was found dead on February 13 at his home in Pyrmont, New York. The cause has not been revealed, but it is believed he died of an apparent suicide.
At the time of his death, there were reports of a financial investigation into the show, and according to Page Six, Uzzle was the target of the investigation. Overseeing the show’s budget was among Uzzle’s responsibilities, according to the post.
A spokesperson for Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury issued a statement to Deadline Friday confirming the investigation. “Debmar-Mercury has retained Morgan Lewis to assist us in investigating the matter, and pending the outcome of that investigation, we will have no further comment,” the statement read. The spokesperson did not disclose details of Uzzle’s death or personnel issues.
We are told that supply has not been affected and production is continuing.
Fox television stations refurbished Shery For two years until the 2024-25 season. It is now showing its second season. The weekday talk show originates from Chelsea Studios in New York in front of a live studio audience.
In its first season, the show won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Talk Series, and also received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host for Shepherd. The show also received a Bronze Telly Award for its Season 1 digital launch campaign, “Fun.Joy.Laughter.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.