Aubrey Plaza breaks silence on 'unimaginable tragedy' of husband Jeff Baena's death

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Aubrey Plaza and the family of her late husband, Jeff Baena, have released a heartfelt statement following his untimely death.

Jeff Baena, a writer and director, tragically died by suicide at age 47 on January 3.

Aubrey Plaza mourns loss of her husband Jeff Baena

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s family shared in a statement to PEOPLE. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Baena was known for his unique contributions to the film industry, with over a dozen directing and writing credits. He made his directorial debut with 'Life After Beth', a zombie comedy starring Plaza. In 2021, he created 'Cinema Toast', an anthology series on Showtime that also marked Plaza’s directorial debut.

Baena and Plaza began dating in 2011 and collaborated on several creative projects. The couple’s marriage was revealed in May 2021 when Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post.

In a 2019 interview, Plaza reflected on their relationship dynamic, saying, “I think that one of the great things about our careers is that we are forced to be independent, take little breaks, go off and do our things and come back."

"So it’s kind of fun. Nothing is ever the same. You don’t want to spend too much time a part. But I think that there’s a way that it can work and there’s a balance in that.”

Jeff Baena, filmmaker and husband of Aubrey Plaza, dies at 47

Jeff Baena, acclaimed filmmaker and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Friday, January 3, 2025. 

Law enforcement sources reported that Baena’s assistant discovered his body at approximately 10:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to TMZ, authorities have determined that the cause of death was suicide.

Baena, born and raised in Miami, Florida, pursued his love for storytelling at New York University’s film school. After graduating, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he built a career as a filmmaker known for his unique voice and unconventional narratives.

Baena’s notable works include 'Life After Beth' and 'The Little Hours', films that earned him critical acclaim for their offbeat humor and emotional depth. His collaborations with Plaza often highlighted their shared creative synergy.