Aubrey Plaza's husband Jeff Baena’s reflection on mental health resurfaces after his tragic death at 47
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Aubrey Plaza's husband and filmmaker Jeff Baena who was found deceased at his Los Feliz home on Friday, January 3, reflected on how his family's history with mental health issues influenced his projects years before his death.
Law enforcement sources have reportedly suggested suicide as the cause, though this remains unconfirmed, according to TMZ.
Jeff Baena's reflections on mental illness and 'Horse Girl'
The news of Jeff Baena has left Hollywood and fans mourning the talented filmmaker, whose works often reflected personal and poignant themes.
Baena’s 2020 Netflix film 'Horse Girl', co-written with Alison Brie, was deeply influenced by his family’s history with mental illness.
In a Reddit Ask Me Anything forum promoting the film, Baena opened up about watching his stepmother struggle with bipolar disorder and how those experiences shaped his work, according to Daily Mail.
“My first stepmom had manic depression and was in and out of facilities in Miami due to the Baker Act,” he wrote, referencing laws governing psychiatric holds.
When a Reddit user asked Baena how the concept of the movie began, the 47-year-old filmmaker responded, it's based on my family's history with mental illness, specifically my grandmother's schizophrenia, and my fear of that existing in my DNA."
He described his stepmother’s treatment as a reflection of broader societal struggles to address mental health needs adequately.
"While I would not consider "Horse Girl" to be an activist film, the themes of how we as a society and individuals treat persons with mental illness was a major focus and impetus for making this,'" he added.
'Horse Girl' also drew from Alison Brie’s personal experiences with her grandmother, who had schizophrenia.
“That was the original impetus for writing a story like this,” Brie shared during the forum, with Baena adding that both he and Brie brought familial insights into the creative process.
Inside Jeff Baena's film career: From assistant to acclaimed director
Born in Miami, Jeff Baena graduated from New York University’s film program before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams.
He worked under industry giants like Robert Zemeckis and David O Russell, where he gained invaluable experience as a production assistant and assistant editor.
Baena made his directorial debut with 'Life After Beth' in 2014, a zombie romantic comedy starring his wife Aubrey Plaza.
He went on to direct 'The Little Hours' and cowrite other unique projects that showcased his distinct storytelling style.
Baena’s family issued a statement to Deadline, expressing their devastation and requesting privacy.
