Screenwriter and director Jeffrey Baena, known for his collaborations with his wife Aubrey Plaza, killed himself at the age of 47. He was found at his home in Los Angeles on January 1, according to an official report.
Jeffrey Baena had marked independent cinema with his original works. A graduate in cinema from New York University, he first became known by co-writing the film “I Love Huckabees” (2004) directed by David O. Russell. He then established himself as a director with films often presented at the Sundance festival, including “Life After Beth” (2014), a zombie romantic comedy starring Aubrey Plaza, and “Joshy” (2016), a sensitive exploration of grief.
Originally from Miami, son of a lawyer and a teacher, Jeff Baena discovered his passion for cinema as a child, influenced by works like “A Clockwork Orange” by Stanley Kubrick and “Eight and a Half” by Federico Fellini.
An artistic and personal collaboration with Aubrey Plaza
The relationship between Jeffrey Baena and Aubrey Plaza, which began before the release of “Life After Beth”, has transformed into a rich artistic collaboration. The actress, best known for her role as April Ludgate in “Parks and Recreation” and nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance in “The White Lotus,” has appeared in four of the five films directed by her husband.
In an interview for the YouTube channel Reel Talker Baena confided his admiration for his partner: “The opportunities to create together, to do something creative where we’re both fulfilled, it’s so precious. She’s down to earth and she’s so talented, I’m really lucky”. The couple married in 2021, consolidating a relationship combining intimacy and creativity.
Aubrey Plaza has yet to speak publicly in the wake of this tragedy.
Jeff Baena Aubrey Plaza actress director
