Jeff Baena, the acclaimed screenwriter and director known for his quirky and darkly comedic films, has passed away at the age of 47. A spokesperson confirmed his death, with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office reporting his body was discovered Friday at a Los Angeles residence. The cause of death is currently unavailable.
Baena’s creative partnership with his wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, was a significant part of his career. Plaza starred in two of his most celebrated films: “The Little Hours,” a 2017 black comedy set in a 14th-century convent, loosely inspired by “The Decameron” and his own medieval studies background; and “Life After Beth,” a hilariously inventive zombie satire. Both films garnered critical praise for their unique perspectives and blend of humor and genre.
Beyond his collaborations with Plaza, Baena’s directorial credits include the dark comedy “Spin Me Round” (2022), starring Alison Brie (who also co-wrote the script), and the dramedy “Joshy,” featuring Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, and Nick Kroll. He also collaborated with Brie on the 2020 psychological drama “Horse Girl.” His writing contributions extend to David O. Russell’s 2004 film, “I Heart Huckabees,” a comedic exploration of existentialism. Baena’s films enjoyed success at prestigious festivals like Sundance and South by Southwest, securing distribution through notable companies such as Netflix, IFC, and Lionsgate.
His creative talents extended to television as well; he created, wrote, directed, and produced “Cinema Toast” for Showtime. His journey in the film industry began after graduating from NYU’s film school, starting as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis before transitioning to assistant editor for David O. Russell, which ultimately led to their successful writing partnership.
Baena is survived by Plaza, his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena, stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, and step-siblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.