Jeff Baena, Writer-Director and Aubrey Plaza’s Husband, Dead at 47 — Cause of Death Revealed

Jeff Baena, the acclaimed filmmaker behind hits like “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” died at the age of 47. Baena, who was married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead on January 4 under tragic circumstances.

Authorities responded to a Los Angeles residence around 10:30 a.m. on Friday after an assistant discovered Baena unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement later confirmed his death as a suicide.

A report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner revealed Baena died by hanging. While the investigation shed light on the cause, questions remain about the events leading up to his untimely passing.

In a statement, Plaza’s representatives described the family as “devastated,” asking for privacy as they mourn their loss. Baena leaves behind a legacy of inventive storytelling and bold filmmaking, leaving fans and the industry in shock over his sudden departure.

He first gained recognition for co-writing the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees” with director David O’Russell, earning a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature. His other notable works include “Life After Beth” (2014), “The Little Hours” (2017), and the Netflix drama “Horse Girl” (2020).

Known for blending dark themes with humor, Baena’s films stood out for their unique narratives. “Life After Beth” mixed romance with zombies, while “The Little Hours” portrayed a convent of undisciplined nuns.

Baena’s passion for filmmaking began early. At age 11, he stumbled upon the late film director, Stanley Kubrick’s, film “A Clockwork Orange” while flipping through cable channels. Intrigued, he persuaded his father to rent Federico Fellini’s comedy “8 ½.” That moment sparked his love for unconventional cinema.

In an interview with Fresh Fiction, Baena shared that he had always been attracted to films with unusual themes. He explained that his exposure to offbeat movies shaped his artistic vision, adding that he actively sought out such works.

Baena and Plaza’s love story began in 2011, quietly blossoming away from the spotlight. After a decade together, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony that surprised many fans. The news broke in May 2021 when Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post celebrating one of his films.

Plaza later shared lighthearted details about their wedding during a 2022 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She revealed that their decision to marry came during the Covid lockdown, which coincided with their 10-year anniversary.

After joking about tying the knot to mark the milestone, Plaza stumbled upon a website called “OneHourMarriage.com” and arranged for an officiant to come to their home. While Baena stepped out to pick up a food delivery, Plaza visited her neighbor, Dandelion — a practicing witch — to request a spell for the occasion.

“She went into her house, rummaged around, came out with a rosemary wreath… and I created a very quick love altar in my yard,” Plaza recalled. “And then the man from [the marriage website] showed up in a Hawaiian shirt with a briefcase. I can’t remember a lot of it, it was fuzzy. But I’m pretty sure it’s legal.”

Plaza once opened up about her thoughts on having children, admitting that she considered starting a family during the pandemic but felt unsettled by the state of the world at the time.

Reflecting on her long-term relationship at the time, she explained that being with Baena for 12 years gave her insight into the ups and downs couples experience. She noted that it’s easy to compare one’s relationship to seemingly perfect ones but emphasized the importance of navigating challenges together.

Beyond their personal connection, Baena and Plaza also shared a creative partnership. Plaza starred in Baena’s horror-comedy “Life After Beth,” which earned a nomination for Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize. The couple collaborated again on the medieval dark comedy “The Little Hours,” featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco.

Baena continued his streak of inventive storytelling with “Horse Girl” in 2020, a psychological drama starring Plaza and Alison Brie that became one of his most commercially successful films. His most recent project, “Spin Me Round,” premiered in 2022 and once again featured Plaza in a leading role.

In past interviews, Baena expressed admiration for working alongside Plaza. He described her as an exceptional performer and said he felt fortunate to collaborate with her on multiple projects, highlighting how their professional and personal lives intertwined seamlessly.

Baena was born on June 29, 1977, and grew up in Miami. He graduated from New York University in 1999 with a degree in film. His sudden death has deeply affected the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes and condolences.

While Plaza has not shared any public statement about the loss, many friends and colleagues shared heartfelt messages. Actor Adam Pally expressed sorrow for Plaza and her family. “My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena Family and for all of us who spent time on his sets,” he wrote.

Sundance Film Festival paid tribute on social media, thanking Baena for his contributions and praising his “wit, humor, and daring vision.” Searchlight Pictures also honored him, acknowledging his “creativity and passion” while sending condolences to his loved ones.

In addition to Aubrey Plaza, Baena leaves behind a loving family. His mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather, Roger Stern, stood by him through thick and thin. His father, Scott Baena, and stepmother, Michele Baena, also played pivotal roles in his life.

He is survived by his brother, Brad Baena, who shared countless memories with him. Additionally, Baena was part of a larger family, including his stepsiblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman. Each of them carries a piece of his spirit and legacy.