Jeff Baena, a talented director and screenwriter, has sadly passed away at the age of 47. His death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, who reported that Baena died by suicide at his home on January 3, 2025.
Baena, best known for his work as a director and co-writer of the 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, had a long and fruitful career. After graduating from New York University’s film school, Baena moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in various roles, including as a production assistant for renowned filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. Over the years, he contributed to several films and TV projects, including the 2020 film Horse Girl, starring Alison Brie, and the 2021 Showtime series Cinema Toast.
Baena’s professional life was closely intertwined with that of his wife, actress Aubrey Plaza. The couple worked together on multiple projects, including Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017), and most recently, Spin Me Round (2022). Their creative collaboration was a significant part of their relationship, but they also kept their personal life relatively private.
After more than a decade of dating, Baena and Plaza married in 2021 during the pandemic. In an interview, Plaza humorously described their spontaneous wedding, revealing that they wed just hours after making the decision, wearing tie-dye pajamas made by Baena. The couple’s bond was evident, with Plaza affectionately referring to Baena as her “darling husband.”
Baena leaves behind Plaza, his family, and many fans who admired his work. The news of his death has left the entertainment world grieving. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
