Actress Aubrey Plaza has described the sudden loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
Baena, known for his work as a director and screenwriter, was found dead on Friday at a residence near the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz areas of Los Angeles.
He was pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m., and the Los Angeles County medical examiner later ruled that the 47-year-old had taken his own life.
In a heartfelt statement released to the media, Plaza, best known for her role in Parks and Recreation, expressed her profound grief.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Her words reflected the deep sorrow she and her family are experiencing as they navigate this difficult period.
Baena and Plaza had shared both a professional and personal relationship for over a decade. The two first collaborated on the 2014 horror-comedy Life After Beth, which marked Baena’s directorial debut.
Their partnership extended to the 2017 historical comedy The Little Hours, in which Plaza starred. The couple, who had been together since 2011, tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2021 after celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Plaza once shared the story of their spontaneous decision to marry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she said, “We got a little bored one night and decided to do it.”
She recounted how they found a wedding officiant online and quickly set up a love altar in their yard for an intimate ceremony. The anecdote, told with Plaza’s signature humor, showcased the bond and spontaneity they shared.
Baena had a prolific career in film and television, earning acclaim for his unique storytelling style. In addition to Life After Beth, he directed and wrote the 2020 thriller Horse Girl, starring Alison Brie, and the 2022 dark comedy Spin Me Round.
His earlier work included co-writing the 2004 cult comedy I Heart Huckabees with director David O. Russell, which featured a star-studded cast including Jude Law, Naomi Watts, and Mark Wahlberg.
He also created the anthology comedy series Cinema Toast, which featured an episode directed by Plaza and another starring Alison Brie.
Baena’s work often showcased his daring vision, blending humor, surrealism, and heartfelt emotion.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and institutions, including the Sundance Film Festival, where Life After Beth premiered in 2014. “Jeff, we’ll miss your wit, humor, and daring vision. Rest in peace, friend,” the festival’s statement read.
Hollywood actor and comedian Marc Maron expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “Very sad about the tragic loss of a true artist and sweet guy.”
Director Brady Corbet, while accepting his award for Best Director at Sunday’s Golden Globes for The Brutalist, dedicated his speech to Baena’s memory. “My heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family,” he said, acknowledging the profound loss.
Plaza, who had been scheduled as a presenter at the Golden Globes before her husband’s passing, has received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike.
Known for her work in HBO’s The White Lotus, Disney+ series Agatha All Along, and films like Ingrid Goes West and Emily the Criminal, Plaza’s resilience and talent have always shone through.
As the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed their involvement in the investigation into Baena’s death, the world mourns the loss of a filmmaker whose creative voice will be deeply missed.
