Fans React to the passing of Aubrey Plaza’s husband Jeff Baena
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The outpouring of support for Aubrey Plaza following the sudden death of her husband Jeff Baena continues to roll in.
On Friday, January 3, Baena was found at a Los Angeles home around 10:30 am according to TMZ. First responders arrived shortly after and pronounced Baena dead at the scene from an apparent suicide. He was 47 year old.
Baena, a screenwriter and director, was best known for his films Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and I Heart Huckabees, which he co-wrote with filmmaker David O. Russell. Plaza was a constant collaborator and supporter of Baena’s work, and even starred in Life After Beth.
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Since the news came to light, thousands of Baena’s and Plaza’s fans have taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their condolences for the tragedy, with a larger conversation on mental health also taking place.
“Rip to Jeff Baena, I hope he found peace with whatever battle he was fighting and I truly truly hope Aubrey Plaza has some support around her during this time,” wrote one person.
A second person wrote, “Saddened to hear of filmmaker Jeff Baena’s passing. He’s gone far too soon. LIFE AFTER BETH and THE LITTLE HOURS are under-heralded comedy gems. He and wife/ frequent collaborator Aubrey Plaza were cute together.”
“This is heartbreaking. Baena made so many fun indie flicks I adored. Life After Beth and The Little Hours are so hilarious. Jeff, Aubrey, and Alison were like the Three Musketeers of kooky low-budget comedies. Can’t imagine the pain they’re going through rn. Rip Jeff Baena,” expressed a third person.
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Baena grew up in Miami, Florida before moving north to study film at New York University (NYU). Shortly after he graduated he headed towards Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood.
In 2011, Baena and Plaza started dating, with the acclaimed actress revealing in an Instagram post in 2021 that the two had gotten married. Baena was a strong supporter of Plaza’s career and was beside her during her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work in season two of White Lotus.
Baena leaves behind a loving family that includes his partner, Plaza, as well as his mother, Barbara Stern, and her husband, Roger Stern. He is also survived by his father, Scott Baena, and his wife, Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, along with his stepsister, Bianca Gabay, and stepbrother, Jed Fluxman.
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 go to 988lifeline.org.
