Jeff Baena Dies Tragically at 47
Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza is mourning the sudden loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. The 47-year-old screenwriter and director was found dead in the couple’s Los Angeles home on Friday morning, January 3, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Baena died by suicide.
The devastating discovery was made by an assistant at approximately 10:30 a.m. Law enforcement sources revealed that Jeff took his life by hanging, leaving family, friends, and fans in shock.
Gone Too Soon
Jeff Baena, known for his quirky and offbeat contributions to indie cinema, established a distinctive niche for himself in the entertainment industry. His work includes Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017), and Horse Girl (2020)—several of which starred his wife. Baena also co-wrote the 2004 cult classic I Heart Huckabees with David O. Russell, solidifying his place in Hollywood.
Jeff graduated from New York University with a degree in film. Moving to Los Angeles, he worked as a production assistant for legendary director Robert Zemeckis before becoming an assistant editor for David O. Russell. In addition to his work in film, Baena ventured into television, where he created, wrote, and directed the Showtime series Cinema Toast.
Jeff’s talent and collaborative spirit earned him admiration in Hollywood, but it was his relationship with Aubrey Plaza that often stole the spotlight. The couple met in 2011 and tied the knot a decade later in May 2021 in a spontaneous and intimate ceremony.
A Love Story Cut Short
Aubrey and Jeff’s relationship was a creative partnership. In an interview from 2022, Jeff said about working alongside his wife: “She’s awesome. I’d be working with her if she wasn’t my wife, but luckily she is my wife. The opportunity to do something creative [together] where we’re both fulfilled—how rare is that?”
Aubrey echoed this sentiment during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in December 2021, sharing the quirky details of their wedding. “We got a little bored one night,” she joked. “We got married and I’ll tell you how: Onehourmarriage.com. That’s real, look it up.”
Jeff is survived by Aubrey, his mother Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, stepmother Michele Banea, brother Brad Banea, and step-siblings Jed Fluxman and Bianca Gabay.
This heartbreaking tragedy is a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health and the struggles that can remain hidden. Rest in peace, Jeff Baena.
