Aubrey Plaza is mourning the loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who tragically passed away at 47. Here’s a closer look inside their life together, including their decade-long romance and the enduring professional bond they shared.
Filmmaker Jeff Baena, best known for directing films like “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” has died. His sudden passing shocked Hollywood and left his loved ones devastated.
Jeff Baena at the screening of “Spin Me Round” during the Seattle International Film Festival on April 15, 2022, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The tragic news broke after police and fire department officials responded to a Los Angeles-area home around 10:30 a.m. on a Friday for a death investigation.
Baena was found by an assistant and was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement sources later confirmed that the filmmaker had died by suicide.
Jeff Baena at the Los Angeles Special Screening of “Spin Me Round” on August 17, 2022, in West Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
Baena, who had been married to actress Aubrey Plaza since 2021, shared more than just a personal life with her. The couple’s relationship was rooted in a decade-long professional partnership that began when they first started dating in 2011.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena during a discussion about “The Little Hours” at Build Studio on June 29, 2017, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Plaza starred in several of his films, including “Life After Beth,” a dark comedy that marked his directorial debut, and “The Little Hours,” a medieval satire that showcased their shared quirky sense of humor.
The pair had quietly tied the knot after nearly a decade of dating, with Plaza revealing the news in a low-key Instagram post. She casually referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in a caption celebrating his creative work.
“So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to Italia to cause some more trouble,” she wrote in part, referencing their 2022 film, “Spin Me Round.” The post featured a sweet photo of the couple, confirming their union to the world.
The actress’s representative later verified the marriage, though the couple had remained characteristically private about their personal lives.
In a 2019 interview, Plaza spoke candidly about her relationship with Baena, revealing that their shared profession helped them understand each other on a deeper level.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza posing for a portrait during the Sundance NEXT FEST at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on August 8, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level. So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we’re both on,” she said.
She added that balancing their personal and professional lives came with its own challenges but their independence strengthened their relationship.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza at the “Life After Beth” premiere during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 19 in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
“I think that 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,” she shared.
“So it’s kind of fun. Nothing is ever the same. You don’t want to spend too much time apart, but I think that there’s a way that it can work and there’s a balance in that,” the actress added.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena at the “Life After Beth” New York screening at Crosby Street Hotel on July 30, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Two days before Baena’s tragic death, reports emerged that Plaza was seen smiling and enjoying herself at an NBA game with a man who was initially described as a “mystery” companion.
However, it was later revealed that the “mystery” man was none other than comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who, according to reports, is Plaza’s longtime friend.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza at Lisa Edelstein’s birthday party on May 21, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
After Baena’s passing, Aubrey Plaza notably skipped the Golden Globe Awards, which took place just two days later. She was scheduled to present an award at the event, but her absence was understandable given the circumstances. It remains unclear who stepped in to fill her role at the ceremony.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena at “The Little Hours” premiere during day one of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on January 19 in Park City. | Source: Getty Images
The loss of Baena has left an undeniable void in Plaza’s life, as the two were not only partners in love but collaborators in creativity. Their shared projects stood as a testament to their deep connection and mutual respect.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena at the screening of “The Little Hours” during the 2017 Los Angeles Film Festival on June 19 in Culver City. | Source: Getty Images
Baena’s dark humor and unique storytelling style were a perfect match for his wife’s sharp wit and ability to bring unconventional characters to life. His death marks a tragic end to a decade-long love story built on mutual creativity and understanding.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
