Film director and screenwriter Jeff Baena, 47, has died, authorities have confirmed. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the death to ABC News, with a representative for Baena’s wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, directing inquiries to a Deadline article reporting the news. TMZ was the first outlet to break the story.
Baena was best known for directing the horror-comedy *Life After Beth* and the dark comedy *Joshy*. He also co-wrote the cult classic *I Heart Huckabees* with filmmaker David O. Russell. Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Baena was discovered deceased in his home by an assistant around 10:30 p.m. on Friday. The cause of death has not yet been officially determined by the medical examiner.
Baena and Plaza, who married in 2021, frequently collaborated professionally. Plaza starred in several of Baena’s films, including *Life After Beth*, *The Little Hours*, and *Spin Me Round*. Plaza, 40, is known for her role as April Ludgate on *Parks and Recreation* and received an Emmy nomination for her performance in *The White Lotus*.
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