Sadly, Indie Filmmaker and Spouse of Actress Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Baena, Passes Away at 47 Years Old
Jeff Baena, a renowned screenwriter and director, and spouse to actress Aubrey Plaza (The White Lotus), tragically passed away on January 3. He was 47 years old. An assistant allegedly found his lifeless body at a residence in Los Angeles, with authorities confirming his demise at the scene. According to a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the reason for his passing was suicide. Additional details reveal that Baena took his own life through hanging.
Born on June 29, 1977, in Miami, Jeff Baena cut his teeth in the film industry as a production assistant under the guidance of director Robert Zemeckis, contributing to various of his projects.
Following this, Baena secured a position as an assistant editor for writer-director David O. Russell. This marked the beginning of their collaborative efforts, which eventually led to the creation of scripts, including the film I Heart Huckabees, which Russell directed in 2004. Meanwhile, Baena also wrote the zombie comedy Life After Beth, which marked his directorial debut.
Baena then directed the 2017 comedy film The Little Hours, featuring Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci, John C. Reilly, and Molly Shannon. He reunited with Alison Brie in the 2020 film Horse Girl.
In 2021, Baena also launched an anthology series for Showtime titled Cinema Toast. His final film, Spin Me Round, premiered in 2022.
Baena leaves behind his wife Aubrey Plaza, mother Barbara Stern and stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, and stepsister and stepbrother Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
After collaborating with David O. Russell on various projects, Jeff Baena went on to write and direct the zombie comedy film "Life After Beth," starring Aubrey Plaza. In recognition of his talents, Baena directed the 2021 Showtime anthology series "Cinema Toast," with Aubrey Plaza also appearing in his final film, "Spin Me Round."
