Shortly after the passing of “Spin Me Around” director Jeff Baena, his family, including his actress wife and a Golden Globe-winning director, mourned the loss publicly.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 24, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Aubrey Plaza attends the SAG-AFTRA event in New York City on October 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In light of Baena’s death, Plaza chose to step away from the event. Her absence was deeply felt, and during the ceremony, “The Brutalist” director Brady Corbet, who won Best Director, made a heartfelt acknowledgment.
“Finally tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s Family. Good night,” Corbet said during his acceptance speech, honoring Baena’s memory and expressing solidarity with Plaza during this difficult time.
Brady Corbet accepts the Best Director award for “The Brutalist” at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Baena’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the film community, leaving a void felt deeply by those who admired his talent and cherished his presence.
Authorities responded to a Los Angeles residence around 10:30 a.m. after an assistant discovered Baena unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement later confirmed his death as a suicide.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena at the screening of “The Little Hours” during the 2017 Los Angeles Film Festival on June 19, 2017, in Culver City | Source: Getty Images
A report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner revealed Baena died by hanging. While the investigation shed light on the cause, questions remain about the events leading up to his untimely passing.
In an earlier report by TMZ, Plaza’s representatives described the family as “devastated,” asking for privacy as they mourn their loss. Baena left behind a legacy of inventive storytelling and bold filmmaking, leaving fans and the industry in shock over his sudden departure.
Jeff Baena arrives for the screening of film “Spin Me Round” during the Seattle Film Festival on April 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. | Source: Getty Images
He first gained recognition for co-writing the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees” with director David O’Russell, earning a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature. His other notable works included “Life After Beth” (2014), “The Little Hours” (2017), and the Netflix drama “Horse Girl” (2020).
Known for blending dark themes with humor, Baena’s films stood out for their unique narratives. “Life After Beth” mixed romance with zombies, while “The Little Hours” portrayed a convent of undisciplined nuns.
Jeff Baena poses on the red carpet at the Los Angeles Special Screening Of IFC Films’ “Spin Me Round” on August 17, 2022, in West Hollywood | Source: Getty Images
In an interview with Fresh Fiction, Baena shared that he had always been attracted to films with unusual themes. He explained that his exposure to offbeat movies shaped his artistic vision, adding that he actively sought out such works.
Jeff Baena attends the IMDb Studio at Acura Festival Village at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
Baena and Plaza’s love story began in 2011, quietly blossoming away from the spotlight. After a decade together, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony that surprised many fans. The news broke in May 2021 when Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post celebrating one of his films.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena pose on the red carpet at “The Little Hours” premiere during Day 1 of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2017, in Park City | Source: Getty Images
Plaza later shared lighthearted details about their wedding during a 2022 appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She revealed that their decision to marry came during the COVID-19 lockdown, which coincided with their 10-year anniversary.
After joking about tying the knot to mark the milestone, Plaza stumbled upon a website called “OneHourMarriage.com” and arranged for an officiant to come to their home. While Baena stepped out to pick up a food delivery, Plaza visited her neighbor, Dandelion — a practicing witch — to request a spell for the occasion.
Plaza once opened up about her thoughts on having children, admitting that she considered starting a family during the pandemic but felt unsettled by the state of the world at the time.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza attend the “Life After Beth” premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on January 19, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond their personal connection, Baena and Plaza also shared a creative partnership. Plaza starred in Baena’s horror-comedy “Life After Beth,” which earned a nomination for Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize. The couple collaborated again on the medieval dark comedy “The Little Hours,” featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco.
Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza attend Lisa Edelstein’s Birthday Party at Private Residence in Silverlake, CA on May 21, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
In past interviews, Baena expressed admiration for working alongside Plaza. He described her as an exceptional performer and said he felt fortunate to collaborate with her on multiple projects, highlighting how their professional and personal lives intertwined seamlessly.
Actor Adam Pally expressed sorrow for Plaza and her family. “My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena Family and for all of us who spent time on his sets,” he wrote.
In addition to Aubrey Plaza, Baena left behind a loving family. His mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather, Roger Stern, stood by him through thick and thin. His father, Scott Baena, and stepmother, Michele Baena, also played pivotal roles in his life.
He was survived by his brother, Brad Baena, who shared countless memories with him. Additionally, Baena was part of a larger family, including his stepsiblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman. Each of them carried a piece of his spirit and legacy.
