Actress Aubrey Plaza has spoken out following the death of her husband, director and screenwriter Jeff Baena, describing it as an “unimaginable tragedy.” Baena, aged 47, was found dead on Friday near the Fern Dell Nature Trail in Hollywood Hills. The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed the cause of death as suicide.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Plaza and the Baena/Stern family expressed their grief, saying: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Remembering Jeff Baena
Baena, who was best known for films such as The Little Hours, Life After Beth, and Joshy, married Plaza in 2021. He graduated from New York University with a degree in film and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his directing career. Prior to making his own films, Baena worked in production with renowned filmmakers like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell. Notably, he co-wrote I Heart Huckabees with Russell.
Baena made his directorial debut in 2014 with the release of Life After Beth, a zombie comedy that starred Plaza. The two collaborators went on to work together on multiple projects.
Baena’s death has been met with an outpouring of condolences from the entertainment community. Aubrey Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, had been slated to present at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this week, but was understandably absent following her husband’s death.
Brady Corbet, who won the Best Director award for The Brutalist at the Golden Globes, dedicated his acceptance speech to Plaza, saying, “My heart is with Aubrey Plaza, and Jeff’s family.”
Baena’s surviving family includes his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott, stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, stepsister Bianca Gabay, and stepbrother Jed Fluxman. The family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.