Celebrities

Aubrey Plaza Breaks Silence on Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza has described the loss of her husband as an unimaginable tragedy.

Updated on

January 19, 2025

Aubrey Plaza with husband Jeff Baena. (Photo: Courtesy)

Aubrey Plaza has spoken out for the first time about the devastating death of her husband, screenwriter and director Jeff Baena. In a statement released on January 6, 2025, on behalf of Plaza and Baena’s family, the Parks and Recreation star shared her grief with the world.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy… We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time,” the statement said.

Baena died by suicide on January 3, 2025, a tragic incident confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. He was 47 years old.

Known for his distinct voice in independent cinema, Baena made his mark with films like the 2014 comedy Life After Beth — his directorial debut in which Plaza starred — and the 2004 cult classic I Heart Huckabees, one of several scripts he worked on with his frequent collaborator David O. Russell.

Baena was a regular contributor at the Sundance Film Festival, whose work was feted innumerable times during the event. In a statement after his death, the festival paid tributes to his contributions.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the lasting memories we’ve built together,” the Sundance statement read. “Jeff, we’ll miss your wit, humor, and daring vision. Rest in peace, friend.”

Baena and Plaza, 40, were married in 2021, celebrating ten years together. Plaza had previously shared with The Ellen Show how their wedding came together spontaneously in their backyard while they were in quarantine during the pandemic.

The news of Baena’s death has left a huge void, with both fans and loved ones remembering his creative impact and the lasting legacy he leaves in the independent film world.