Jeff Baena, the acclaimed filmmaker and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, has died at the age of 47. His body was discovered by an assistant at his Los Angeles home on Friday morning. Law enforcement sources indicate that he died by suicide.
Born on June 29, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Baena pursued film studies at New York University before relocating to Los Angeles to advance his career. He initially worked as a production assistant for director Robert Zemeckis and later as an assistant editor for writer-director David O. Russell. During his collaboration with Russell, Baena co-wrote the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees,” marking his entry into the film industry.
Baena’s directorial debut came with the 2014 zombie comedy “Life After Beth,” featuring Aubrey Plaza in the lead role. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and showcased Baena’s unique blend of humor and horror. He continued to explore unconventional narratives with films like “Joshy” (2016), “The Little Hours” (2017), and “Horse Girl” (2020). In 2022, he directed “Spin Me Round,” further solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in independent cinema.
Baena and Plaza began their relationship in 2011, maintaining a private personal life while frequently collaborating professionally. Their partnership extended to projects such as “The Little Hours” and the anthology series “Cinema Toast,” which aired on Showtime in 2021. The couple married in 2021, a fact that became public when Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post.
Baena’s unexpected death has left the film community and fans in mourning. He is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza; his mother, Barbara Stern; stepfather, Roger Stern; father, Scott Baena; stepmother, Michele Baena; brother, Brad Baena; stepsister, Bianca Gabay; and stepbrother, Jed Fluxman.
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, support is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Dial 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.
