Trigger Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution or refrain from reading if you find such content triggering.
Jeff Baena, the director and husband of Aubrey Plaza, has passed away at 47 years old. The director was a notable name in the indie world, having worked on several notable works, includingLife After Beth(2014),Horse Girl(2020), andI Heart Huckabees(2004). He often worked closely with writer David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook) andacclaimed producer Robert Zemeckis(Back to the Future,Who Framed Roger Rabbit).
According to a report byVariety, Baena was found by an assistant in his Los Angeles home on Friday, January 3. Though no cause of death has officially been listed, law enforcement reports that he died by suicide, perTMZ.There hasnot yet been any word from his or Plaza’s representatives.
Jeff Baena’s Career on Screen
Baena Leaves Behind a Notable Legacy
Baena’s career in Hollywood was certainly notable, working onsix movies as a director, seven as a writer, and three as a producer.While he never saw much box office success, he eventually pivoted to streaming releases, where he found a comfortable niche to work in. He often collaborated with the renowned actorsAlison Brie (Mad Men)and Plaza (Agatha All Along), who both frequently starred in his projects. Check out the list of all of his feature-length works below:
2004
2014
2016
2017
2020
2022
Director, Writer, Producer
The director adored his work, often expressing his immense excitement whenever he had the opportunity to release a movie. He believed that he was working for his viewers more than anything else. In 2020,Baena spoke toScreen RantaboutHorse Girlandexpressed that “the whole point is for an audience.“His love for Hollywood and his viewers was never in doubt, as he worked tirelessly on every movie. It is not known if he was working on any other movies before his tragic passing.
Baena Was More Than Just a Hollywood Name
He Was More Importantly a Family Man
It would be easy to overlook Baena’s life by focusing solely on his works. However, his legacy also heavily relates to his familial connections. Baena was Plaza’s beloved husband. The two had been in a relationship since 2012 and revealed that they were married by 2020.Plaza is an acclaimed starherself and featured in several of Baena’s movies, includingLife After Beth(2014),Joshy(2016),The Little Hours(2017), andSpin Me Round(2022).
Although Plaza has not released any statement, it is important to respect the actor’s privacy during this time, as losing a loved one is not easy to cope with. After his passing,Baenawill leave behind a legacy as a skilled director and a beloved husband. He will be missed by all of Hollywood and especially by his family.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
