Aubrey Plaza, alongside the family of her late husband Jeff Baena, is asking for privacy as they cope with the devastating loss of the acclaimed filmmaker. In a heartfelt statement shared with USA TODAY, they described the situation as an "unimaginable tragedy," expressing deep gratitude to those who have offered their support during this difficult time. However, they have requested that their privacy be respected as they navigate this incredibly challenging period.
Baena, who was just 47, tragically passed away at his home in California on Friday, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. A few days later, on Monday, the office confirmed that his cause of death was suicide.
Known for his distinctive voice in filmmaking, Baena was a writer and director celebrated for his works such as The Little Hours, Horse Girl, and his co-writing contribution to David O. Russell's I Heart Huckabees. His latest film, Spin Me Round (2022), was a project close to his heart, featuring his wife Aubrey Plaza alongside Alison Brie. Plaza herself had starred in several of Baena's earlier works, including Life After Beth and The Little Hours.
The couple, who had been together for more than a decade, tied the knot in 2020. Their relationship dates back to 2010 when they first met in a rather unusual way. As Plaza shared in a 2022 GQ profile, their first meeting took place "over a game of Balderdash," a humorous and fitting way for two creative minds to cross paths.
In a more intimate moment shared by Plaza during a December 2021 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she recounted how she and Baena decided to get married during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were sheltering in place, and it was their 10-year anniversary. Plaza had jokingly suggested that they should do something special, like getting an ice cream cone. It wasn’t long before the idea of marriage came up, but it was more of a playful comment at first. "Wouldn’t it be nice to get married on our actual anniversary?" she said. After a quick Google search, Plaza found OneHourMarriage.com, which led to the impromptu backyard ceremony that would forever mark their union. With just a few hours of notice, a minister arrived to marry the couple in their yard, making the moment both quirky and meaningful—a reflection of their unique love story.
Since Baena’s death, tributes and condolences have poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans alike. At the Golden Globe Awards, director Brady Corbet, who worked with Baena on The Brutalist, paid a moving tribute. "Tonight, my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff's family," he said while accepting the award for Best Director, a touching acknowledgment of the personal loss he and others in the industry were experiencing.
Alison Brie, a frequent collaborator with both Baena and Plaza, shared her grief on Instagram with a simple but heartfelt message: "Rest in peace, my friend." Others who had worked closely with Baena also expressed their sorrow, including Molly Shannon, who had appeared in several of Baena's films. She posted a collection of photos of herself with the director, along with a broken heart emoji, capturing the deep sense of loss that those who knew him personally felt.
Adam Pally, another friend of Baena’s, shared his own thoughts via Instagram, writing, "My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family, and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit." This sentiment was echoed by many others in the entertainment community, all of whom have been touched by Baena’s creativity and warm personality.
Selma Blair also reached out to Plaza with a heartfelt message, commenting on her most recent Instagram post. "No words can touch this painful time. Only love and strength and support from everyone. I am so sorry," Blair wrote, offering her condolences in a way that highlighted the emotional depth of the moment.
Baena leaves behind a loving family. In addition to Plaza, he is survived by his mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather, Roger Stern, his father, Scott Baena, and stepmother, Michele Baena. His brother, Brad Baena, and his stepsiblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman, also mourn his passing. While the public mourns the loss of such a talented and beloved filmmaker, his family and friends are facing the unimaginable grief of losing someone who brought so much light to the world.
Baena’s death is a profound reminder of the often-hidden struggles that many face, even those who seem to have it all. His contributions to the world of film have left a lasting impact, and his untimely passing has deeply affected those who knew him personally and professionally. While the entertainment industry grieves the loss of one of its unique voices, Plaza and Baena's family are left to grapple with the complexity of this tragedy in private, seeking peace and healing during an incredibly difficult time.
It’s important to remember that behind the work of directors like Baena, there are real people, with real lives and real emotions. While the world may know him for his films, his true legacy lies in the love and memories he leaves with those closest to him, especially his wife, Aubrey Plaza. As we reflect on his life, we’re reminded of the fragility of human existence, and the importance of supporting those we care about, especially when it’s hardest to do so.
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