Aubrey Plaza is mourning the loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who tragically passed away at 47. Here’s a closer look inside their life together, including their decade-long romance and the enduring professional bond they shared.
Filmmaker Jeff Baena, best known for directing films like “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” has died. His sudden passing shocked Hollywood and left his loved ones devastated.
The tragic news broke after police and fire department officials responded to a Los Angeles-area home around 10:30 a.m. on a Friday for a death investigation.
Baena was found by an assistant and waspronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement sources later confirmed that the filmmaker had died by suicide.Baena, who had been married to actress Aubrey Plaza since 2021, shared more than just a personal life with her. The couple’s relationship was rooted in a decade-long professional partnership that began when they first started dating in 2011.
Plaza starred in several of his films, including “Life After Beth,” a dark comedy that marked his directorial debut, and “The Little Hours,” a medieval satire that showcased their shared quirky sense of humor.
The pair had quietly tied the knot after nearly a decade of dating, with Plaza revealing the news in a low-key Instagram post. She casually referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in a caption celebrating his creative work.
“So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to Italia to cause some more trouble,” she wrotein part, referencing their 2022 film, “Spin Me Round.” The post featured a sweet photo of the couple, confirming their union to the world.
The actress’s representative later verified the marriage, though the couple had remained characteristically private about their personal lives.
In a 2019 interview, Plaza spoke candidly about her relationship with Baena, sharing that their shared profession helped them understand each other on a deeper level.
“I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level. So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we’re both on,” she said.
She added that balancing their personal and professional lives came with its own challenges but emphasized that their independence strengthened their relationship.
“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,” she shared.
“So it’s kind of fun. Nothing is ever the same. You don’t want to spend too much time apart, but I think that there’s a way that it can work and there’s a balance in that,” the actress added.
Two days before Baena’s tragic death, reports emerged that Plaza was seen smiling and enjoying herself at an NBA game with a man who was initially described as a “mystery” companion.
However, it was later revealed that the “mystery” man was none other than comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who, according to reports, is Plaza’s longtime friend.
He rose to fame as an actor, producer and writer, known for “The Carmichael Show” in 2015, “8” in 2017, and “On the Count of Three” in 2021. Plaza and Carmichael were spotted sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Day, watching the Knicks play from celebrity row.
The “Parks and Recreation” star, dressed casually in a black jacket and an orange cap, appeared relaxed and in good spirits alongside Carmichael, who was also dressed down for the sporting event.
The sighting drew attention due to its timing, but those familiar with Plaza’s friendships were quick to clarify that Carmichael, who is openly gay, has been a close friend of the actress for years.
After Baena’s passing, Aubrey Plaza notably skipped the Golden Globe Awards, which took place just two days later. She had been scheduled to present an award at the event, but her absence was understandable given the circumstances. It remains unclear who stepped in to fill her role at the ceremony.
The loss of Baena has left an undeniable void in Plaza’s life, as the two were not only partners in love but collaborators in creativity. Their shared projects stood as a testament to their deep connection and mutual respect.
Baena’s dark humor and unique storytelling style were a perfect match for his wife’s sharp wit and ability to bring unconventional characters to life. His death marks a tragic end to a decade-long love story built on mutual creativity and understanding.