In a heartbreaking revelation, actress Aubrey Plaza's husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, was reportedly experiencing significant marital difficulties at the time of his death by suicide in January 2025. According to the Los Angeles medical examiner’s report, the couple had been separated since September 2024, when Plaza relocated to New York.
The report details that Baena, who was 47 years old, had been facing increasing challenges leading up to the tragedy. "According to the reported information, the decedent Jeffrey Baena is a 47-year-old Caucasian male," the medical examiner noted. "He was experiencing recent marital difficulties and was separated from his wife since September 2024." Friends of the couple expressed concern over Baena’s mental health following a troubling episode the previous October, where Plaza reached out for help after he made concerning remarks.
After a welfare check initiated by Plaza’s friend, Baena began attending therapy sessions to cope with his issues. On the morning of January 3, 2025, Plaza last communicated with her husband through a text message. She reported him to be alive at that time. Some hours later, Baena was found dead by his dog walker at his Los Angeles home, who had entered the premises after hearing loud music—an unusual occurrence, according to authorities.
The sad news surfaced with the investigation confirming Baena’s cause of death as suicide. Detectives have stated that no drugs were found in his system, nor had he left a suicide note, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding his passing. Three days later, Plaza, 40, alongside Baena’s family—including his mother Barbara Stern and his step-father Roger Stern—addressed the tragedy in a joint statement. "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time," they conveyed.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena first crossed paths in 2011 during a casual game of Balderdash, which ultimately blossomed into a deep relationship over the years. The couple, known for their creative synergy, collaborated on various projects, including the films Life After Beth and The Little Hours. After a decade together, they tied the knot in 2020, which Plaza described as a spontaneous decision during the pandemic. "We got married on a whim. Literally decided at around 5pm and got married at 8:30," she stated in an interview, recounting a love story filled with humor and its share of quirks.
Plaza’s recent re-entry into the public eye post-Baena's passing showcased her strength, as she made an appearance at Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special, where she wore a black blazer over a tie-dye shirt. Many interpreted her outfit as a tribute to Baena, who had been passionate about tie-dyeing during the pandemic. "Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine. So I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us," she shared during an earlier talk show episode.
In the wake of this tragic event, discussions around mental health are more crucial than ever. The couple's separation and the challenges Baena faced highlight a growing need for societal awareness surrounding mental health issues. The film industry, too, has begun recognizing the importance of supporting artists during turbulent times, and tributes from fellow stars like Molly Shannon and Alison Brie after Baena’s death only emphasize the impacted community's pain and loss.
Julia Roberts, a longtime friend of Plaza, stated her admiration for how Plaza has handled the extreme loss while navigating the industry. "Aubrey is one of the strongest individuals I know, and she faced something unimaginable. My heart goes out to her and the entire family during this painful chapter," Roberts shared.
As much of the world processes this devastating news, it is imperative to remember the resources available for those experiencing similar struggles. Organizations like the Samaritans offer assistance to individuals in crisis, asserting the vital importance of reaching out to family, friends, or professionals when needed. For those in the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains available through 988—affording crucial help to anyone in need.
The legacy of Baena intertwines deeply with his collaborations with Plaza and his contributions to film; however, the impact of his untimely departure reverberates through the conversations it has sparked about mental health awareness. In a world where many feel disconnected, the importance of connection and support cannot be overstated.
As the days turn into weeks, Aubrey Plaza and those close to Baena continue to seek healing while mourning a loss that resonates on so many levels—family, love, friendship, and artistry.
