Aubrey Plaza and the family of her late husband, Jeff Baena, are grieving after his sudden and tragic death at the age of 47. Baena, a celebrated writer and director, died by suicide on Friday, January 3.
In a heartfelt statement, Plaza and Baena’s family shared their grief:
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
A Creative Legacy
Baena was known for his sharp wit and creativity, earning accolades as a writer and director. His directorial debut, Life After Beth (2014), a zombie comedy starring Plaza, showcased his unique approach to storytelling.
In 2021, he expanded his creative footprint by creating the Showtime anthology series Cinema Toast, which also marked Plaza’s directorial debut. His career included over a dozen film credits, solidifying his reputation as a rising force in Hollywood.
A Love Story Cut Short
Baena and Plaza began dating in 2011, keeping much of their relationship private until May 2021, when Plaza referred to him as her “darling husband” on Instagram. Fans later learned the couple had quietly married, a detail later confirmed by Plaza’s representative.
In a 2019 interview, Plaza spoke about the balance they maintained in their relationship:
“One of the great things about our careers is that we are forced to be independent, take little breaks, go off and do our things and come back… Nothing is ever the same. But I think that there’s a way it can work.”
Their partnership was celebrated for its mutual respect and artistic collaboration, making the loss even more devastating to those who followed their journey.
A Call for Compassion and Support
Baena’s death highlights the importance of mental health awareness. Plaza and Baena’s loved ones have asked for privacy as they process their loss, while many fans and colleagues have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Baena’s humor and talent.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
Honoring Jeff Baena
While Hollywood mourns the loss of an incredible storyteller, his legacy will continue through his films and the memories shared by those who loved him.
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