Stupor in Hollywood. The body of American director Jeff Baena was found at his home in Los Angeles on January 3, reports The Independent.
Aged 47, Jeff Baena notably directed the films Life After Beth (2014), The Good Sisters (2017) or even Horse Girl (2020).
He also co-wrote the screenplay for the comedy with director David O’Russell. J’adore Huckabeesreleased in 2004 in the United States, and in which we could find Isabelle Huppert and Dustin Hoffman.
Cause of death revealed
His body was reportedly discovered by an assistant at his home in the Los Feliz neighborhood. His death was pronounced at 10:39 a.m. by the medical team sent to the scene. The man would have hanged himself, according to Deadline.
His wife, Aubrey Plaza, has not yet reacted publicly, but those close to the director released a statement: “The family is devastated and asks for privacy during these difficult times” we can read.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza, a couple since 2011, were married in 2020, in full confinement, at their home in Los Angeles.
They had worked together several times: in the film Life After Bethreleased across the Atlantic in 2014, but also Spin Me Roundreleased in 2022.
A film about mental health in 2020
In his film Horse Girlreleased in 2020, Jeff Baena explained that he was inspired by his family’s mental health problems: “Alison and I have both had family members who have suffered from mental illness, and that had a major influence on our work on this project“, he declared on Reddit, before the film’s release in 2020.
Actress Julia Fox, Selma Blair, Alison Brie and the Sundance Independent Film Festival presented their condolences to Aubrey Plaza, as well as to Jeff Baena’s family.
“We sincerely thank Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the lasting memories we have built together. Jeff, we will miss your wit, humor and bold vision. Rest in peace, my friend.” thus wrote the organization of the Festival.
The actress, expected at the Golden Globes, which took place on Sunday evening, did not attend the ceremony.
