Aubrey Plaza is speaking out for the first time following the heartbreaking death of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena. On January 6, 2025, Plaza and her family shared a brief statement with People Magazine, expressing their deep sorrow over the tragic loss. The statement reads, “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Jeff Baena, who was known for his work as a writer and director, passed away on January 3, 2025, at his home. According to reports from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, his death has been ruled a suicide by hanging. The news of his death shocked many in the entertainment industry, sparking an outpouring of tributes and messages of support for both Baena’s family and his wife, Aubrey Plaza.

Baena was an accomplished writer and director with a significant body of work in film. Among his notable credits is his co-writing role on the film I Heart Huckabees, which starred Jude Law and Naomi Watts. He also directed and wrote a number of films, including Life After Beth, his directorial debut, as well as The Little Hours, Joshy, and Spin Me Around. Throughout his career, Baena was known for his unique storytelling style, dark humor, and a willingness to tackle bold and unconventional themes. His contributions to film and his undeniable wit earned him a loyal following in the industry.

Many colleagues and friends from the film world quickly offered their condolences following the news of Baena’s passing. The San Diego Film Festival, with which Baena had collaborated over the years, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media. The festival expressed gratitude for the stories Baena had shared with them, acknowledging his creativity and the legacy he would leave behind in the film world. They wrote, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the lasting memories we’ve built together. Jeff, we will miss your wit, humor, and daring vision. Rest in peace, friend.”

Actress Julia Fox and fellow actor Selma Blair also took to social media to express their condolences. Fox shared an emotional message of support for Aubrey Plaza, writing, “Sending you so much love.” Blair, similarly, left a heartfelt comment under Plaza’s most recent Instagram post, offering words of comfort in the wake of the tragedy: “No words can touch this painful time, only love and strength and support from everyone. I am so sorry.” These comments reflect the support that Plaza has received from her peers in this profoundly difficult moment.

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena had a long and deeply personal relationship, both professionally and romantically. The pair met in 2011 and began dating soon after. Over the years, their relationship blossomed, with Baena often collaborating with his wife on several of his film projects. One of the most notable was Life After Beth, which was Baena’s directorial debut, a dark comedy that starred Plaza in the lead role. Their professional collaborations continued with The Little Hours, Joshy, and Spin Me Around. These films, much like their personal relationship, carried Baena’s signature quirky humor and often explored unconventional or dark subjects.

In 2020, during the global pandemic, Plaza and Baena quietly tied the knot. The actress confirmed their marriage in 2021 with an Instagram post where she referred to her husband as her “darling husband.” The news of their marriage was widely celebrated, as it marked a happy chapter for both Plaza and Baena, who had managed to keep their relationship relatively private amidst their busy careers.

Baena’s passing has left a deep void in the entertainment industry, as he was respected not only for his creative talents but also for his warmth and sense of humor. His death has raised awareness of the pressures that those in the entertainment industry often face, particularly with regard to mental health. For those who are struggling or in crisis, help is available, and organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offer confidential support. In the wake of Baena’s death, it is important to acknowledge that no one should have to suffer in silence, and resources like the Lifeline are there to assist individuals who are going through difficult times.

In addition to his wife Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Baena is survived by his parents, stepparents, brother, and step-siblings. While Plaza and her family have requested privacy during this difficult time, it is clear that Baena’s influence on the film industry and his impact on the people who knew him will continue to resonate. His work, marked by its dark humor and unique perspective, will undoubtedly live on in the films and stories he created.

Aubrey Plaza, known for her dry humor and deadpan delivery, is now faced with the unimaginable loss of her husband and partner. Her grief, understandably, has drawn out a tremendous amount of support from fans, friends, and colleagues alike. Plaza has always been an intensely private person when it comes to her personal life, and this tragedy only heightens the need for her to grieve and heal away from the public eye.

As we reflect on Jeff Baena’s life and career, it is important to remember the lasting impact he had as both a storyteller and a collaborator. His ability to blend humor with darker, more thought-provoking themes earned him respect in the industry, and his legacy as a creative mind will undoubtedly endure. For those who knew him personally, the loss is deeply felt, but his contributions to cinema and his memorable collaborations with Aubrey Plaza will keep his spirit alive. In this time of profound sadness, it is crucial to show support and love for those who are mourning, as the grieving process is a deeply personal journey.

As Aubrey Plaza navigates this heartbreaking loss, it is clear that she has the love and support of not only her close family but also an entire industry that admired her husband’s work and admired her strength. This painful moment in their lives will not erase the joy they shared in both their personal and professional partnership. Instead, the memory of Jeff Baena, both as a man and a creator, will be carried forward with love and respect.