Matt Byars became known to Real Housewives of Potomac viewers after appearing as Karen Huger‘s close friend over the years. Following his death at 37, Bravolebrities are mourning his loss while fans want to know more about him.
What Did Matt Byars Do for a Living?
On his Instagram bio, Matt described himself as an “entrepreneur,” while noting his other fields of interest included, “PR, Talent Management, Real Estate, Marketing, Consulting” and that he was a “dog lover.”
Matt was a talent and publicity manager for the Prince Marketing Group, a sports and entertainment marketing agency, from 2013 until his death, according to his LinkedIn account.
When Did Matt Byars Appear on ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’?
Matt’s first appearance on RHOP was during season 3 in 2018, when he was introduced as Karen Huger’s right-hand man. He went on to appear in 16 episodes of the Bravo hit over the years.
Matt Byars and RHOP’s Karen Huger Were Friends for Years
“I’ve known Matt since he was about 17, 18 years old. I encourage Matt when life is difficult. A lot of people call me ‘Mama Karen’ in Potomac because I love helping young folk,” Karen explained to Bravo’s Daily Dish in 2019. “When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together.”
Karen described Matt’s role in her life, saying, “Matt is wonderful, wonderful in PR. I do have a PR, Matt is not my PR. But I would say that Matt is in a line of my agent, my booking person and it works for me.”
She added, “I met some dynamic people through this powerful young man, who’s extremely connected. And my personality and his connections just work so well, and I’m blessed to have Matt in my life.”
Bravo Stars Are Mourning Matt Byar’s Death
After Matt’s death was announced on November 21, 2024, at the age of 37, several Housewives took to Instagram to express their shock and sadness. His cause of death has not been released.
“I’m sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away,” RHOP‘s Ashley Darby shared in an Instagram Story on November. 22, 2024. “If you can, please reach out to Karen Huger. She and Matt were very close. I think Karen’s known Matt, I want to say, since either middle school or high school. So, it’s been a very long time, and it is very important that we check on our friends. Everyone is going through something, and I acknowledge that. And sometimes it’s just too much to bear, unfortunately, for some of us.”
RHOP alum Charrisse Jackson-Jordan shared a photo of her with Matt on her Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest In Peace.”
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga mourned Matt’s loss while sharing a series of photos along with her late pal. She said she spoke to him earlier in the week before he died.
“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,” she wrote in the caption.
“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,” she continued.
Melissa cryptically added, “I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories. Go fly – Go make them laugh.”
