Jeff Baena, the accomplished filmmaker and longtime partner of The White Lotus actress Aubrey Plaza, tragically passed away on January 3, 2025. TMZ first reported the devastating news, revealing that Baena was found unresponsive by an assistant at approximately 10:30 AM. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed his death was ruled a suicide. Baena was just 47 years old.
A statement from his family, shared with Deadline, expressed their grief: “The family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.”
Here’s a look at Baena’s life, career, and his enduring love story with Aubrey Plaza.
A Long and Private Romance
When Did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Meet?
Baena and Plaza first crossed paths in 2011, reportedly bonding during a game of Balderdash. Over the years, their relationship grew into one of Hollywood’s most enduring and private romances. While the couple kept their personal lives away from the spotlight, occasional glimpses into their life together showcased a deep connection and mutual admiration.
In 2021, Plaza shared her pride for Baena on Instagram, referring to him as her “darling husband” in a post celebrating his film Spin Me Round. This quiet acknowledgment of their marriage took fans by surprise, as the pair had kept their 2020 nuptials completely under wraps.
How Long Were Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Married?
The couple tied the knot in a “quickie ceremony” in 2020, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of love. By the time of Baena’s passing, they had been married for almost five years and together for 13.
“It’s so great, it’s so complicated,” Plaza shared during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2021. Reflecting on their relationship, she described navigating its “peaks and valleys” while remaining committed to one another.
Plaza also recalled their time together during the COVID-19 pandemic as a rare opportunity to slow down and connect. “Other than all of the catastrophic things happening in the world, just on a personal level, relationship level, it was kind of nice to just be forced to be in one place for that long,” she told PEOPLE.
Jeff Baena’s Career and Legacy
What Did Jeff Baena Do for a Living?
Baena was an accomplished filmmaker, director, and screenwriter. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Baena moved to Los Angeles to launch his career in Hollywood.
He worked as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis before collaborating with acclaimed filmmaker David O. Russell on I Heart Huckabees (2004). Baena made his directorial debut in 2014 with Life After Beth, a dark comedy starring Plaza. His subsequent films included:
- The Little Hours (2017)
- Joshy (2016)
- Horse Girl (2020)
- Spin Me Round (2022), which would become his final film.
Baena’s work was marked by its wit, originality, and offbeat humor. His collaborations with Plaza on several projects showcased their shared creative chemistry.
The Tragic Loss
What Happened to Jeff Baena?
On January 3, 2025, Baena was found unresponsive at a Los Angeles residence by an assistant. Police and fire services arrived to conduct a death investigation and later confirmed that Baena had died by suicide.
Remembering Jeff Baena
Baena’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and the entertainment community. Known for his creativity, humor, and dedication to his craft, Baena leaves behind a legacy of films that continue to resonate with audiences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for confidential support.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of this talented filmmaker, our thoughts are with Aubrey Plaza and the Baena family during this difficult time.