Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time following the heartbreaking death of her husband, film director Jeff Baena, on January 3. Baena, 47, was found at his Los Angeles home, and the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that he died by suicide.
In a joint statement with the Baena/Stern family, Plaza expressed her devastation, saying, “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Baena, best known for his work on films like The Little Hours, Life After Beth, and Joshy, had been married to Plaza since May 2021, after being together for a decade. The couple had a private ceremony during the pandemic, which Plaza humorously recalled on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, mentioning that they were married by an officiant from a website called “OneHourMarriage.com.”
Plaza and Baena’s relationship was marked by their collaboration on several films, including Spin Me Round, The Little Hours, and Life After Beth. Baena leaves behind his wife, mother Barbara Stern, father Scott Baena, stepfather Roger Stern, stepmother Michele Baena, and his siblings.
At the Golden Globe Awards on January 5, director Brady Corbet paid tribute to Baena during his acceptance speech for Best Director, saying, “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family – good night.”
During this incredibly difficult time, Plaza and Baena’s family have requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
