If you’ve spent any time falling down the Bravo rabbit hole, you know that some of the most magnetic people aren’t always the ones holding the center diamond or the glass of champagne. Sometimes, it’s the people in the orbit who steal the scene. That was definitely the case with Matthew Byars. For a lot of fans, he was the witty, sharp, and incredibly stylish presence standing next to "Grand Dame" Karen Huger on The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP).
But reducing him to just a "TV assistant" is kinda missing the point. Honestly, Matthew—or "Matty B" as his friends called him—was a powerhouse talent manager and a fixture in the entertainment industry long before he ever stepped in front of a camera. He wasn't just there for the paycheck; he was there because he was a genuine part of that world.
Who is Matthew Byars and Why Does Everyone Know His Name?
When people search for who is Matthew Byars, they usually start with his TV appearances. He first popped up on our screens back in 2018 during Season 3 of RHOP. Karen Huger introduced him as her right-hand man, but their bond went way deeper than a simple boss-employee dynamic. Karen actually met Matt when he was just 17 or 18 years old. She took him under her wing, encouraged him to finish school, and eventually, they became a professional duo that Karen described as "two powerhouses."
He wasn't just a Potomac staple, though. He was the guy behind the scenes for big names across the "Bravoverse." We’re talking about people like Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, and Cynthia Bailey. He had this infectious energy. You know those people who walk into a room and suddenly everyone is laughing? That was Matt.
The Real Career Behind the Reality TV
Outside of the Potomac bubble, Byars was a serious talent manager and handler. He worked with Prince Marketing, where he represented heavy hitters like Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Think about that for a second—going from the polished, high-stakes drama of Potomac to the world of heavy metal. It takes a specific kind of personality to navigate both those worlds successfully.
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He also spent years working with the legendary Bruce Vilanch. He helped with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center. Basically, if there was a major entertainment event or a celebrity who needed a reliable, "no-nonsense" manager who could also crack a joke at the right time, Matt was the guy.
A Life Cut Short: The News That Shook the Bravo Community
In late November 2024, the entertainment world got some really heavy news. Matthew Byars passed away at the age of 37. It was sudden. It was shocking. And the outpouring of grief from the celebrity world was immediate.
Karen Huger was understandably devastated. She released a statement saying her heart was broken, calling him a "powerful young man" with a "genuine heart." Melissa Gorga posted a montage of photos, mentioning how he should have done stand-up because he was just that funny. Margaret Josephs talked about how he spent his time "hustling for his girls" and making everyone feel like they were the only person in the room.
It’s rare to see that level of universal love for a talent manager. Usually, those relationships are strictly business. But with Matt, it was personal.
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Early Life and the "Mayor of Park Slope"
To understand why he was so good at his job, you have to look at where he came from. Matt was born in Brooklyn, specifically Park Slope, back in 1987. His obituary actually described him as a "little mayor" who would stroll down 7th Avenue, knowing every vendor and saying hello to everyone he passed.
He was a theater kid through and through. At Walter Johnson High School, he was a standout in the music and drama programs. He eventually went to Frostburg State University, majored in theater, and joined the TEK fraternity. That's where the foundation was laid. He didn't just want to be famous; he loved the craft of entertainment.
The Diverse Interests of Matthew Byars
One thing most people didn't realize about him was his range of interests. When the pandemic hit and the entertainment industry basically turned off its lights for a while, Matt didn't just sit around. He pivoted.
He started a pet and house-sitting business. He was obsessed with animals. He’d spend his days snuggling dogs and giving them way too many treats. It shows a side of him that was softer than the "powerhouse manager" persona we saw on TV.
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- Musical Theater: He played Herbie in Gypsy during high school.
- Comedy: He was a huge fan of Carol Burnett and Judge Judy.
- Advocacy: He was known for his kindness and support of his friends during their hardest moments, like when Karen Huger lost her mother.
It’s worth noting that while he shared a name with a well-known musician (Matthew Byars of the band The Caribbean), the RHOP star was a distinct individual who made his mark in talent management and reality television.
What We Can Learn from His Journey
Matthew Byars’ life is a reminder that you don't have to be the "main character" to have a massive impact. He built a career on being the support system, the strategist, and the friend that famous people relied on when the cameras were off.
He proved that "hustle" doesn't have to be cold or corporate. You can be successful in a cutthroat industry like talent management while still being the person who makes everyone laugh and remembers your mom's birthday.
If you’re looking to follow in a similar career path or just want to honor his memory, here are some actionable ways to apply his "Matty B" philosophy to your own life:
- Invest in Relationships First: Matt’s career was built on loyalty. He knew Karen for nearly 20 years. Don't just network; build actual bonds.
- Adapt When the World Changes: When his industry stalled during COVID, he didn't stop working. He found something else he loved (animals) and made it work.
- Be the Energy in the Room: In a world of "professionalism" that can feel stiff, being the person who brings humor and light is a massive competitive advantage.
Matthew Byars left a hole in the Potomac community and the wider entertainment world. He was a reminder that behind every great star is often an even greater person making sure everything runs smoothly. His legacy isn't just a few episodes of a reality show; it's the dozens of people whose lives and careers he made better just by being there.