Matthew Byars, a 37 year old talent manager who appeared on the third season of The Real Housewives of Potomac, has passed away. Introduced to viewers by star Karen Huger, Matthew’s death was met with a heartfelt statement from his best friend, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga.
She expressed her sadness, saying: “Matt – Why didn’t you tell me Matt? I’m heartbroken. Your personality was infectious. Your jokes – you always had them. You should have done stand up – I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt. Because earlier this week you didn’t tell me. I know life was tough – I know – Thank you for bringing me my very 1st performance of ‘ON DISPLAY’ – you and I – WE ARE LOYAL.”
“They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories. Go fly – Go make them laugh.”
Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, from The Real Housewives of Potomac, also paid tribute by sharing a photo of them together, writing: “Rest in Peace.”
Matthew was part of Karen Huger’s infamous “press conference” on the show, where she addressed rumors about her financial situation. In 2019, Karen revealed that she had met Matthew as a teenager and had encouraged him to pursue his education, leading to their professional collaboration, reports the Mirror.
Karen Huger looked back on her relationship with Matthew, describing it as one between “true friends” and referred to him as “like family”. When introducing Matthew to viewers on The Real Housewives of Potomac, her co-stars were left puzzled about his identity, with Ashley Darby mistakenly thinking he was Karen’s lawyer.
Matthew later made appearances in various episodes across the series. In a touching tribute, Shahs of Sunset star Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi penned: “Noooo! I’ve known Matt since the beginning of being on TV as well. I did all my bookings around the nation together with him. What an amazing soul and kind human! ” Echoing her sentiments, Rachel Fuda from Real Housewives of New Jersey expressed: “Such a deep loss. So sorry Melis. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.”
Digital influencer Peter Panos recalled Matthew as “such a sweet human being”, while fans grieved online, with one noting: “He was such a good guy, just heartbreaking. I wish I had known as well.”
Other comments included: “Beyond devastating,” “I have such fun memories of him when we all worked together,” and “He was the nicest and kindest. One of the best! ” A final comment read: “This breaks my heart even tho I didn’t know him.”
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