LOS ANGELES — Jeff Baena, a talented writer and director known for his unique blend of dark comedy in independent films, has passed away at the age of 47. His body was discovered on Friday morning at a residence in Los Angeles, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirming that his death was a result of suicide.
Baena’s creative journey includes co-writing the acclaimed film “I Heart Huckabees,” which was released in 2004, and directing five significant films, four of which made their debut at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. His noteworthy works include “The Little Hours” and “Life After Beth,” the latter of which starred his partner, Aubrey Plaza, who became a key collaborator in his projects. The couple had been together for three years prior to their marriage in 2021.
Following “Life After Beth,” Baena directed “Joshy” in 2016, a film that explores themes of grief and togetherness, featuring Thomas Middleditch in the lead role. Baena was raised in Miami by parents who were an attorney and a teacher, and he pursued his passion for filmmaking at New York University. He once shared that it was the influence of iconic films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” and Federico Fellini’s “8 1/2” that ignited his love for cinema during his childhood.
In a 2021 interview, Baena expressed the joy of working with Plaza, stating how fortunate he felt to collaborate with someone so talented in multiple projects. Plaza gained recognition for her role in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation” and received an Emmy nomination for her performance in “The White Lotus.” Baena remarked on the rarity of being able to engage in creative endeavors together, highlighting Plaza’s commitment and skill.
In addition to Plaza, Baena is survived by various family members, including his mother, Barbara Stern; stepfather, Roger Stern; father, Scott Baena; stepmother, Michele Baena; brother, Brad Baena; and stepsiblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman. This article acknowledges the sensitive nature of the topic addressed. If you or anyone you know is in need of support or crisis help, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a helpline for assistance.
