Aubrey Plaza has spoken out following the tragic death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died by suicide on January 3 at the age of 47. This heartbreaking news has left many grieving, and Plaza, along with Baena's family, released a statement early Monday.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time,” the couple's statement said as reported by People.
Baena, renowned for his distinctive voice as a writer and director, was well-known for his directorial debut, Life After Beth, which starred Plaza and made waves at the Sundance Film Festival when it was released. Born and raised in Miami, Baena honed his craft at New York University before moving to Los Angeles to chase his dreams. His big break came when he co-wrote the screenplay for the 2004 film I Heart Huckabees alongside David O. Russell.
Baena and Plaza began dating back in 2011. Throughout their romantic relationship, they collaborated on multiple projects, including The Little Hours (2017) and the recent 2022 film Spin Me Round. They tied the knot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Plaza humorously described as a spur-of-the-moment decision during her appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She recounted how they decided to get married on their 10-year anniversary: “I just said, ‘It’s our 10-year anniversary, we should do something special,’ and then joked about getting married,” she shared, reflecting on the whimsical nature of their ceremony.
Sadly, the couple's joyous partnership drew to a close far too soon. Plaza was scheduled to attend the Golden Globe Awards as a presenter over the weekend but chose to withdraw due to the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. During the awards ceremony, director Brady Corbet paid tribute to Plaza and Baena, saying, “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”
Baena's sudden passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues within the film community. Molly Shannon, who starred in several of his films, shared photos on Instagram, expressing her grief. Fellow actor Adam Pally also expressed condolences, stating, “My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family and for all of us who spent time on his sets.”
Apart from Plaza, Baena leaves behind his mother, Barbara Stern, his stepfather, Roger Stern, his father, Scott Baena, his stepmother Michele Baena, and his brother Brad Baena, along with several stepsiblings. His body was discovered at his home, and the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed the cause of death as suicide.
Baena was not only known for his work as a director but also contributed to the creative world through his writing and producing endeavors. Most recently, he was involved with the anthology series Cinema Toast, which aired on Showtime and showcased Plaza's own directorial skills.
The news of Baena's death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of love and support during difficult times. Mental health and emotional well-being continue to be pivotal conversations within our society, and resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available for those who may be struggling.
Fans of Baena’s work have expressed their sorrow on social media platforms, with condolences streaming from across the Hollywood community. The Sundance Film Festival paid tribute to him, stating, “Jeff, we’ll miss your wit, humor, and daring vision. Rest in peace, friend.”
The outpouring of love and support showcases how deeply Baena affected those around him, leaving behind not only films but memories and friendships.
For anyone who finds themselves struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be found by calling 988 or visiting their website. Help is available, and reaching out is the first step to healing.