Aubrey Plaza mourns husband Jeff Baena’s tragic death
Aubrey Plaza and her family have issued a sombre statement following the devastating loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who tragically died by suicide at 47.
"This is an unimaginable tragedy," Plaza and the Baena/Stern family said in a heartfelt message. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
Baena, an indie film director and screenwriter, was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Friday, confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
Known for his distinct contributions to indie cinema, Baena first gained prominence when he co-wrote "I Heart Huckabees" (2004) alongside David O Russell, a film that went on to earn a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature.
His professional partnership with Plaza became a hallmark of his work, with the couple collaborating on several films over the years. Their creative synergy was evident in "Life After Beth" (2014), Baena's directorial debut, where Plaza starred. The film was well-received, garnering a Grand Jury Prize nomination at the Sundance Film Festival.
The couple's joint projects extended to notable films such as "The End of Love" (2012), "The Little Hours" (2017), and "Spin Me Round" (2022).
Another of Baena's works, "Joshy" (2016), also premiered at Sundance, earning a Grand Jury nomination. His unique vision expanded beyond cinema into television with the Showtime anthology series "Cinema Toast", which he created, directed, and executive produced in 2021.
Plaza and Baena married in 2021 after nearly a decade together. Her absence from the Golden Globes, where she had been scheduled to present on Sunday, reflected the gravity of her personal grief.
In addition to Plaza, Baena is survived by his mother, Barbara Stern; stepfather, Roger Stern; father, Scott Baena; stepmother, Michele Baena; brother, Brad Baena; stepsister, Bianca Gabay; and stepbrother, Jed Fluxman.
Baena's death has left a profound mark on those who knew him, not only for his artistic contributions but for the personal relationships he fostered in his life.
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