Terribly sad news from Hollywood this weekend:
Jeff Baena, a writer and director who was married to actress Aubrey Plaza, has tragically passed away in what authorities suspect to be a suicide.
He was 47 years old.
Baena was most recognized for directing “Life After Beth”, “Joshy”, and his co-writing of “I Heart Huckabees” with filmmaker David O. Russell.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed this tragic news early Saturday morning.
Hailing from Miami, Baena attended film school at New York University before relocating to Los Angeles to kickstart his career in entertainment.
Throughout his career, he has directed and/or written over a dozen feature films.
Baena and Plaza began their relationship in 2011.
Throughout the years, they kept their marriage extremely private, never confirming their engagement or wedding.
It wasn’t until Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post in May 2021 that the public became aware of their marital status.
“So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to Italy to cause some more trouble,” read Plaza’s caption at the time.
Reports indicate that Baena was found in his home by an assistant.
The call reporting his death came in around 10:30 p.m. Friday evening; the county medical examiner has not officially determined the cause.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
