Sophia Michaels
Note: This article discusses issues related to suicide.
Renowned independent director Jeff Baena tragically passed away on January 3, 2025, as reported by TMZ. The husband of actress Aubrey Plaza was discovered unconscious by an assistant, and emergency personnel confirmed his death at a residence in Los Angeles. Authorities have labeled the incident as a suicide.
Baena was celebrated for his unique contributions to independent cinema, with notable works like “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours.” He began his career as an assistant editor for the esteemed but controversial David O. Russell, collaborating on the screenplay for “I Heart Huckabees,” which significantly furthered Baena’s career and eventually led him to meet Plaza.
Although Baena and Plaza shared limited details about their private lives, one interesting aspect of their relationship was their decision to keep their marriage private. Nonetheless, their passion for collaborative projects was evident.
Collaboration at the Heart of Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza’s Relationship
Despite maintaining a low profile regarding their engagement and marriage, Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on creative projects. In a discussion with Reel Talker, Baena expressed his admiration for Plaza, stating, “[Plaza’s] awesome… The chance to work creatively together is a rare and fulfilling opportunity.”
Of the five films directed by Baena, Plaza starred in four. According to People, Baena’s Showtime anthology series “Cinema Toast” provided Plaza with the opportunity to not only act but also make her directorial debut in one of the episodes. “It felt like us,” she recalled in 2021, describing their creative process of remixing old footage together.
While their marriage remained private, the affection and collaborative spirit between Plaza and Baena were clearly evident.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there is help available. Contact 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
