Filmmaker Jeff Baena, Husband of Aubrey Plaza, Dies at 47

Jeff Baena, a well-known director and husband to actress Aubrey Plaza, has passed away at the age of 47. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Baena took his own life at his home on January 3. Baena was a graduate of New York University’s film school. After his studies, he moved to Los Angeles and started working as a production assistant for director Robert Zemeckis. Later, he worked as an assistant editor for David O. Russell. One of Baena’s most notable works was co-writing the 2004 movie “I Heart Huckabees” with Russell. The movie features an impressive cast including Dustin Hoffman, Mark Wahlberg, Lily Tomlin, and Jude Law. He also created the Showtime anthology series “Cinema Toast” in 2021 and directed the 2020 film “Horse Girl” starring Alison Brie.

Baena and Plaza collaborated on several projects. He directed and wrote 2014’s “Life After Beth” and 2017’s “The Little Hours, ” both starring Plaza. Their last collaboration was the 2022 romantic comedy “Spin Me Round, ” which Baena co-wrote and directed, and in which Plaza starred. The couple had been together for over a decade. They got married in 2021, during the pandemic. Plaza confirmed their marriage in a casual manner on “The Drew Barrymore Show, ” saying it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. She described their relationship as having “extreme highs and extreme complications, ” but they managed to work through it together. Baena is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza, as well as his parents and siblings. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline. org for support.

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