Jeff Baena, a 47-year-old filmmaker known for his work on independent films such as “Life After Beth,” “Joshy,” and “The Little Hours,” tragically died by suicide at his Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as hanging. Baena’s body was discovered by an assistant at his Los Feliz residence, which he and his wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, had purchased in 2022. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced Baena dead. His family expressed their devastation and requested privacy in the wake of the unexpected loss.
Baena and Plaza, who starred in the popular sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” had been together for a decade before marrying in 2021. They kept both their engagement and marriage relatively private until Plaza publicly referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in a 2021 Instagram post. The post, which featured a picture of the couple, also included a caption where Plaza expressed pride in her husband’s achievements. It would tragically be their last shared public moment.
Born and raised in Miami, Baena pursued his passion for filmmaking by attending film school in New York before moving to Los Angeles to embark on his writing career. His early work included co-writing the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees,” which featured prominent actors like Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, and Naomi Watts. This experience provided valuable exposure to the workings of Hollywood and established connections within the industry.
Baena’s directorial debut came in 2014 with the zombie comedy “Life After Beth,” starring his then-girlfriend, Aubrey Plaza, and comedic actor John C. Reilly. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize, marking a significant breakthrough for Baena. Plaza later spoke about the benefits of having a partner in the same industry, highlighting the mutual understanding and support they provided each other.
Baena continued to garner critical recognition for his work, receiving another Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance in 2016 for the comedy-drama “Joshy.” His 2017 film, “The Little Hours,” was nominated for the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Beyond film, Baena also ventured into television, creating, writing, directing, and executive producing the Showtime series “Cinema Toast.” These projects showcased his versatility and solidified his position as a respected voice in independent filmmaking.
Baena’s untimely death leaves a void in the independent film community. He is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza, his mother, Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, and stepmother Michele Baena. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US and organizations like the Samaritans in the UK provide crucial support and guidance for individuals facing mental health challenges.
