In a time of great sorrow, actress Aubrey Plaza and her family are mourning the loss of Jeff Baena, her husband and distinguished filmmaker, who tragically died by suicide.
- Jan 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - Aubrey Plaza has spoken out for the first time since her husband Jeff Baena's unforeseen passing, with a heartfelt statement released on Monday, December 6.
"This is an unimaginable tragedy," Plaza stated on behalf of herself and the Baena/Stern family. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
Baena, aged 47, was known for directing and co-writing numerous films including "Life After Beth," "The Little Hours," and "Horse Girl." His final work, "Spin Me Round," released in 2022, also starred his wife Plaza.
Police were called to Baena's Los Angeles home on Friday morning, December 3 where he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed his cause of death as suicide.
The couple had been together since 2010 and married in a spontaneous backyard ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Plaza fondly recounted the event during a 2021 interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," where she shared, "I said, 'Wouldn't it be nice to get married on our actual anniversary?' And then I Googled it, and I found OneHourMarriage.com, and then I called around 5 p.m., and I said, 'Can you come in an hour and marry me in our yard?' "
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. At the Golden Globes on Sunday, "The Brutalist" director Brady Corbet dedicated part of his acceptance speech to Baena, saying, "Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff's family." Alison Brie, who collaborated with Baena, expressed her grief on Instagram with the message, "Rest in peace, my friend."
The tragic news has deeply affected the film community, with many reflecting on Baena's contributions and the outpouring of support for Plaza from friends and fans. Adam Pally, Molly Shannon, and Selma Blair were among those who shared their sympathies, with Blair writing, "Only love and strength and support from everyone. I am so sorry."
Baena's death is a profound loss not only for his family but for the entertainment industry as a whole.
For those struggling with similar feelings, know that help is available. In the U.S., dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Resources are also available through The Trevor Project for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386.
