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, 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, including Life After Beth (2014), Horse Girl (2020), and I Heart Huckabees (2004). He often worked closely with writer David Owen Russell (Silver Linings Playbook) and acclaimed producer Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit).
According to a report by Variety, 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, per TMZ. There has not 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. He had the chance to work on six 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 actors Alison 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:
|
Title |
Year of Release |
Baena’s Role |
|---|---|---|
|
I Heart Huckabees |
2004 |
Writer |
|
Life After Beth |
2014 |
Director, Writer |
|
Joshy |
2016 |
Director, Writer |
|
The Little Hours |
2017 |
Director, Writer |
|
Horse Girl |
2020 |
Director, Writer, Producer |
|
Spin Me Round |
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 to Screen Rant about Horse Girl and expressed 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 Aubrey 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 star herself, and she even starred in several of Baena’s movies, including Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022).
Their close relationship is likely why Plaza has not released a statement. In the aftermath of Baena’s shocking death, she is currently in mourning. Plaza deserves the chance to grieve in her own way. Baena’s death came as a surprise to the entire industry, and Plaza will need time to come to terms with her loss. After his passing, Jeff Baena will 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.