Jeff Baena, the filmmaker and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, has died by suicide at the age of 47. His body was discovered by an assistant in their Los Feliz home on Friday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Baena died by hanging. His death was pronounced at the scene.
Baena’s family told Deadline that they are devastated by the news and are asking for privacy at this time.
Baena got into film after graduating from New York University with a film degree and moved to LA to launch his career. He worked low-level jobs for big directors, including Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell, as he found his footing in the industry.
He is best known for directing Life After Beth, his directorial debut, which Plaza starred in, and The Little Hours. Baena also co-wrote I Heart Huckabees, which was nominated for a 2004 Gotham Award for Best Feature.
In his final post on Instagram, Plaza praised her “darling husband” and shared a screenshot of a Deadline article detailing their “new assignment” – the 2022 film Spin Me Round.
Baena had previously spoken candidly about mental health ahead of the release of his 2020 film Horse Girl. On a Reddit Ask Me Anything forum, he was asked if the film’s lead Sarah, played by Alison Brie, being released from the mental hospital and if the scene was based on personal experiences.
Baena and Brie co-wrote the film together about the latter’s family history with mental illness, specifically the actress’ grandmother, who suffered from schizophrenia.
He secretly married The White Lotus star in 2020 almost a decade after they met, keeping their relationship largely out of the limelight.
Plaza has not publicly commented on the death of her husband.
Baena is survived by his wife, his mother Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, his stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, and his step siblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
Conclusion
Jeff Baena’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for those struggling. His work and legacy will be remembered through his films, and his family and loved ones will continue to mourn his loss.
FAQs
- How did Jeff Baena die?
Baena died by suicide by hanging in his Los Feliz home on Friday. - How old was Jeff Baena at the time of his death?
Baena was 47 years old at the time of his death. - What was Jeff Baena’s occupation?
Baena was a filmmaker and director, best known for his work on films such as Life After Beth and The Little Hours. - Is Aubrey Plaza married?
Yes, Baena was married to actress Aubrey Plaza. - Has Aubrey Plaza commented on the death of her husband?
No, Plaza has not publicly commented on the death of her husband.
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