Aubrey Plaza Calls the Death of Her Filmmaker Husband an ‘Unimaginable Tragedy’ | Entertainment & Arts News
Actress Aubrey Plaza has referred to the passing of her filmmaker spouse as an “unthinkable tragedy”.
Jeff Baena was pronounced deceased at 10:39 AM on Friday at a residence located near the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
On Monday, a medical examiner determined that the 47-year-old had taken his own life.
In a statement issued to the press, the Parks and Recreation star Plaza, 40, stated: “This is an unthinkable tragedy.
“We are immensely thankful to everyone who has provided support. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Baena, a talented director and screenwriter, collaborated with Plaza on the 2014 horror film Life After Beth and the 2017 historical comedy The Little Hours.
The couple had been together since around 2011 and tied the knot in 2021.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza. Pic: AP
Earlier, Plaza mentioned on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that she and Baena “got a bit bored one night” during the COVID pandemic and decided to get married after celebrating their 10th anniversary.
She shared that they found a wedding officiant online to conduct the ceremony in their garden, where she “quickly set up a love altar in our yard” for their nuptials.
Baena created the 2020 thriller Horse Girl, featuring Alison Brie, and the 2022 dark comedy Spin Me Round, both of which he also directed.
He was also a co-writer for the 2004 comedy I Heart Huckabees, created alongside director David O. Russell, which featured an impressive cast including Jude Law, Jason Schwartzman, Dustin Hoffman, Naomi Watts, Lily Tomlin, and Mark Wahlberg.
Baena developed the anthology comedy series Cinema Toast, which included an episode directed by Plaza and another starring Community actress Brie.
On X, actor and comedian Marc Maron expressed his sorrow saying: “I am very saddened by the tragic loss of a true artist and wonderful person.”
The Sundance Film Festival, which hosted the premiere of Baena’s directorial debut Life After Beth in 2014, stated: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the cherished memories we’ve created together.”
“Jeff, we will remember your wit, humor, and bold vision. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Plaza had recently been announced as a presenter at the Golden Globes ceremony set for Sunday, just days before her husband’s death.
For more from Sky News:
RuPaul expresses loss over the death of The Vivienne
Complete winners list from the 2025 Golden Globes
Director Brady Corbet, who won best director for his film, The Brutalist, mentioned in his acceptance speech: “My thoughts are with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”
Plaza was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2023 for her performance in the second season of HBO’s dark comedy White Lotus and is also recognized for her roles in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along, as well as films such as Megalopolis, My Old Ass, Ingrid Goes West, Dirty Grandpa, and Emily The Criminal.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed their presence at the residence where Baena passed away and stated that a coroner would oversee the investigation.
If you are in need of support, Samaritans operate a helpline available 24/7, every day of the year, at 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to locate your nearest branch.
