A new medical examiner's report has shed light on the tragic story of filmmaker Jeff Baena and his relationship with actress Aubrey Plaza, detailing their final interactions before his untimely death. According to People on March 19, 2025, the report reveals that Plaza, 40, and Baena were separated at the time of his death, having split in September 2024.
In October 2024, Baena, who was 47 years old, made concerning remarks to Plaza, prompting her to contact a friend for a welfare check. Following this, he began attending therapy. The report indicates that Baena had been struggling with marital difficulties in the months leading up to his passing.
On January 3, 2025, at 10:36 a.m., Plaza received a final text message from Baena. Sadly, that same day, at around 10:30 a.m., his dog walker discovered him unresponsive in his Los Angeles residence. Authorities later confirmed his death by suicide. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report noted that Baena died by hanging, raising painful questions about the events that led to his tragic end.
Baena, known for his inventive filmmaking, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He gained significant recognition for co-writing the acclaimed film I Heart Huckabees in 2004, and his other notable works include Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017). His most recent project, Spin Me Round, premiered in 2022, again featuring Plaza in a leading role.
Baena's early love for cinema was evident; he was inspired by films such as A Clockwork Orange and 8 ½ at a young age. He openly sought out films with unusual themes, which shaped his artistic vision. His collaboration with Plaza began in 2011, blossoming into a personal and professional partnership. The couple reportedly married in a private garden ceremony in 2021, celebrating a decade of their relationship during the COVID lockdown.
Reflecting on their wedding, Plaza shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that they made the decision to get married after “getting a little bored one night” during the pandemic lockdown. She arranged for an officiant to come to their home, incorporating a touch of humor and spontaneity into their nuptials.
Plaza and Baena's relationship was not only romantic; they were frequent creative collaborators. Plaza starred in some of his films, including the horror-comedy Life After Beth, which received a nomination for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize. Their collaborative spirit was evident in projects like The Little Hours and Horse Girl (2020), highlighting their strong personal and professional bond. Baena had often expressed admiration for Plaza's exceptional talent as a performer, feeling fortunate to work with her.
While Plaza enjoyed a successful career, including a Golden Globe nomination in 2023 for her role in the second season of HBO's White Lotus, Baena was introduced to the industry through critical successes like Meet the Fockers. Tragically, news of Baena’s death occurred just days before the 82nd Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2025, where Plaza had been slated to present an award.
Amid the emotional turmoil of loss, Plaza chose to skip the awards ceremony, during which director Brady Corbet delivered an emotional tribute to Baena during his acceptance speech. Her absence highlighted the weight of grief following her husband's untimely passing. Many tributes poured in from the entertainment industry, with friends and colleagues expressing their sorrow and support to Plaza. Actor Adam Pally shared heartfelt sentiments for Plaza and Baena's family, while the Sundance Film Festival dedicated an acknowledgment to Baena's contributions, praising his wit, humor, and unique vision.
Jeff Baena was born on June 29, 1977, in Miami, Florida. He graduated from New York University in 1999 with a degree in film. He is survived by his loving family, including his mother Barbara, stepfather Roger, father Scott, and stepmother Michele, as well as brother Brd Baena and step-siblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman, each cherishing fond memories of their time together.
As Plaza and the Baena family released a statement to Fox News Digital, they expressed their devastation: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
This tragedy, deeply felt by many, serves as a reminder of the importance of reaching out and supporting those in distress. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
