Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show paid tribute to one of its top executives following his death earlier this month. The show ran an In Memoriam tribute card for Matt Uzzle, the executive-in-charge of the syndicated talker, during the February 15 episode.
Uzzle was found dead February 13 at his Piermont, NY home. 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 at the show, and, according to Page Six, Uzzle was a target of the probe. Overseeing the show’s budget was among Uzzle’s responsibilities, according to the publication.
A spokesperson for Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury released a statement to Deadline Friday confirming the investigation. “Debmar-Mercury has retained Morgan Lewis to help us investigate the matter and, pending the outcome of that investigation, will have no further comment,” the statement read. The spokesperson did not reveal details of Uzzle’s death or personnel issues.
We’re told the show has not been impacted and production continues.
Fox Television Stations renewed Sherri for two years through the 2024-25 season. It is now airing its second season. The weekday talk show originates from New York’s Chelsea Studios in front of a live studio audience.
In its first season, the show garnered an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Talk Series and also received four Daytime Emmy nominations, including a nod for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host for Shepherd. The show is also a Bronze Telly Award Winner for its season 1 digital launch campaign, “Fun.Joy.Laughter.”
If you or anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
