Filmmaker Jeff Baena, husband of Aubrey Plaza, has died at age 47
Jeff Baena, an acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter, died unexpectedly on January 3, at the age of 47, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Baena was married to actress / comedienne / producer Aubrey Plaza of “Parks and Recreation” and more recently “Agatha All Along” fame. CNN reported that Baena died at his home in Los Angeles on Friday, and that his cause of death is listed as “deferred” on coroner records.
Sadly, his untimely death is being widely reported as a case of suicide. He was discovered at his home in Los Angeles by an assistant.
Born on June 29, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Baena pursued his passion for film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began his career as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and later worked as an assistant editor for David O. Russell. Baena’s career took off when he co-wrote the cult classic “I Heart Huckabees” in 2004 with Russell according to CBS News.
He made his directorial debut with “Life After Beth” (2014), a zombie comedy that starred his future wife, Aubrey Plaza. The film was well-received and showcased Baena’s unique blend of dark humor and heartfelt storytelling. ABC News reports that Baena and Plaza began their relationship in 2011 and married in 2021. Although the popular couple kept their relationship private, they couple frequently worked together, with Plaza starring in several of Baena’s films
Throughout his career, Baena continued to explore unconventional narratives and genres. His notable works include “Joshy” (2016), “The Little Hours” (2017), “Horse Girl” (2020), and “Spin Me Round” (2022). Baena’s films often featured collaborations with Plaza and actress Alison Brie, highlighting his ability to create compelling characters and engaging stories
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that an assistant discovered Baena’s body at a Los Angeles-area home around 10:30 a.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 3. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that he died by suicide. Representatives for Baena did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. ~ People
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If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away:
- Call 911 for emergency services.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat .
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For more on this tragic story, see the video accompanying this article.
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Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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