Filmmaker Jeff Baena, the husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, tragically passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 47. TMZ broke the news on January 4th, reporting that Baena was found deceased by an assistant around 10:30 AM on Friday. A statement released to Deadline on Saturday confirmed the devastating loss and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. Law enforcement sources later revealed to TMZ that Baena died by suicide.
Baena and Plaza shared one of Hollywood’s most private and enduring relationships, culminating in a secret wedding. Their romance, spanning over a decade, was marked by both its intensity and its discretion.
The couple first met in 2011, according to PEOPLE, a chance encounter over a game of Balderdash. Details about their early relationship remain scarce, but their connection deepened over the years, a journey chronicled in glimpses on social media and in occasional interviews. In 2021, Plaza publicly expressed her pride in Baena on Instagram, referring to him as her “darling husband” and celebrating his latest film. This post led to confirmation from Plaza’s representative that the pair had married in a private ceremony in 2020.
In various interviews throughout their relationship, Plaza candidly discussed the complexities and joys of their long-term partnership. She described their relationship as having “extreme highs and extreme… complications,” acknowledging the challenges inherent in such a committed, long-term relationship, while also sharing fond memories of their time together, including their quarantine experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflected on the “peaks and valleys” common to many long-term relationships, emphasizing the importance of navigating those challenges together.
Jeff Baena was a highly accomplished filmmaker, screenwriter, and director. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, he worked his way through the industry, collaborating with notable figures like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell before making his directorial debut with *Life After Beth*, starring Plaza. His subsequent films, including *The Little Hours*, *Horse Girl*, and *Spin Me Round*, showcased his talent and vision. *Spin Me Round* would ultimately be his final film.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).