Politics
Star Actress Aubrey Plaza’s Husband Dies Suddenly At 47
Jeff Baena, a respected filmmaker and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, passed away on January 3 at the age of 47. He was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home by an assistant and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as suicide by hanging according to Los Angeles County medical examiner.
Baena was known for his work in independent cinema, writing and directing films such as “Life After Beth,” “Joshy,” “The Little Hours,” “Horse Girl,” and “Spin Me Round.” He also co-wrote the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees.” Born in Miami, Florida, Baena graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and began his career in Los Angeles, initially working as a production assistant for director Robert Zemeckis and later as an assistant editor for writer-director David O. Russell.
Authorities confirmed to TMZ that emergency services were dispatched to a residence in the Los Angeles area on Friday at around 10:30 AM following reports of an unresponsive individual. Law enforcement sources indicated that an assistant discovered the individual and immediately called for help. Despite prompt response efforts, Baena was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Baena and Plaza began their relationship in 2011 and married in a private ceremony in 2021. The couple frequently collaborated professionally, with Plaza starring in several of Baena’s films. “So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to italia to cause some more trouble,” Plaza wrote back in 2021.
LOS ANGELES – AUG 17: Jeff Baena, Ariana Rocco at the Spin Me Round Special Screnning at The London Hotel on August 17, 2022 in West Hollywood, CA
His sudden passing has left his family and the entertainment community in mourning. Plaza was absent from the Golden Globes shortly after Baena’s death, despite having been previously announced as a presenter. During the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, director Brady Corbet dedicated his award to Plaza and Baena’s family, expressing his condolences during his acceptance speech.
WATCH:
Brady Corbet wins Best Director – Motion Picture for #TheBrutalist at the 2025 #GoldenGlobes and sends his condolences to Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s families. pic.twitter.com/a9Vg3Rols7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 6, 2025
“Finally, tonight my heart with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family,” Corbet finished his speech.
Plaza, known for her unique deadpan comedic style, gained widespread recognition for her role as April Ludgate on the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” Plaza has also starred in a variety of films, including “Safety Not Guaranteed,” “The To Do List,” and “Ingrid Goes West.” In addition to her film and television roles, she has made appearances in web series and music videos.
Baena’s representative provided a statement initially released to Deadline, stating, “The family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.” Baena is survived by his wife, Aubrey, his mother Barbara Stern and stepfather Roger Stern, his father Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, and his stepsiblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
