Aubrey Plaza addresses ‘unimaginable tragedy’ of losing her husband

Aubrey Plaza has publicly spoken for the first time since the tragic death of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena. In a heartfelt statement shared with People magazine, Plaza described the loss as “an unimaginable tragedy” and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received. She also requested privacy during this difficult time, adding, “Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Baena, 47, tragically passed away by suicide last Friday, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He and Plaza, who had been a couple since 2011, married in 2021. Their relationship was not only personal but also professional, as they collaborated on multiple creative projects over the years.

Plaza had been scheduled to present at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday evening, but she did not attend the ceremony. During the event, Brady Corbet, director of The Brutalist, acknowledged Plaza in his acceptance speech. “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family,” Corbet said, offering his condolences in the wake of the tragic loss.

Throughout their time together, Plaza and Baena worked closely on a number of projects. They first teamed up in 2014 on the horror-comedy Life After Beth, followed by the 2017 historical comedy The Little Hours. More recently, they collaborated on the 2021 comedy series Cinema Toast and the 2022 film Spin Me Round.

In a 2022 interview with Reel Talker, Baena spoke fondly of working alongside Plaza, calling her “awesome” and expressing that he would still choose to work with her even if they weren’t married. “Having that sort of shorthand and that sort of connection is amazing,” he said. “The opportunities to create together and do something creative where we’re both fulfilled, how rare is that.”

Baena was also known for his significant contributions to film as a writer and director. He co-wrote the critically acclaimed 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, and his other works include writing and directing the 2020 psychological drama Horse Girl and the 2016 dramedy Joshy.

Baena is survived by his wife, Plaza, as well as his parents, stepparents, and several siblings. His sudden passing has left many of his colleagues and loved ones in shock, as they remember his work and the creative partnership he shared with Plaza. Their joint career will remain a testament to their deep bond, both as partners in life and collaborators in the arts.

The loss of Baena has been felt across the entertainment industry, with many mourning the death of a talented filmmaker who left a significant mark on independent cinema. As Plaza and Baena’s family navigate this heartbreaking time, their wishes for privacy reflect the immense grief and loss they are experiencing.

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