Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza.
Mark Davis/Getty Images for Sundance NEXTPlace Aubrey and his family pay tribute to him Jeff brothers.
“It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Jeff Baena, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many,” said Baena’s obituary, published in THE Miami Heraldread. “Jeff left us too soon, but despite his sadly short life, he left us with precious memories of a gifted filmmaker, as well as a very special person on many different levels.”
While the obituary honored Baena for his credits in the entertainment industry, those close to him shared insight into how he discovered his passion for cinema which he “fell in love with” when he was “11 years old watching A clockwork orange and that of Felini 8 1/2.”
“Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance between the logical and the implausible. His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent cinema because of his unwavering distaste for institutional guardrails on creativity,” the post continues. “Those who have worked with him praise his vision, his taste, his technical skill and his ability to bring actors together into an ensemble that plays in perfect harmony. A family atmosphere always ensued. He loved nature and showcased it cinematically in his films whenever possible.
Aubrey Plaza is on everyone’s minds as cast members pay tribute to her husband, Jeff Baena, following the director’s shocking death. Baena’s longtime friend and collaborator Adam Pally shared an emotional statement on Instagram on Sunday, January 5, which read: “He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, he was a connector between people, (…)
In addition to the work he did a lot with Plaza, Baena also “enjoyed the company of his friends.”
“Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off the set,” the obituary said. “His magic sauce ensured that everyone had fun and no one ever left his meetings a stranger.”
Baena’s obituary also revealed that he also had an affinity for the novel, The Little Princeand included a touching quote from the beloved children’s book.
“When he was little, Jeff loved reading The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ironically, the Little Prince cries: “I don’t have much time. I have friends to find and so much to learn. And so was Jeff,” the post read.
Baena is survived by Plaza, her parents, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces.
“Jeff will always be loved and deeply missed,” the obituary concluded. “His presence, as well as his work, made the world a better place. He had much more to offer. Sadly, all that has disappeared. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.
Aubrey Plaza briefly rejoiced in her marriage to husband Jeff Baena three months before his sudden and unexpected death. “I would stay away (from dating actors),” Plaza, 40, joked during a September 2024 appearance on SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Show. “I’m married to a writer/director. I’ve never really dated an actor (or) been with one (…)
Baena died on January 3. He was 47 years old. According to medical examiner’s records reviewed by Us every weekBaena’s official cause of death is suicide. After news of Baena’s passing broke, Plaza’s rep released a statement on his behalf.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said. We read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered their support. Please respect our privacy during this time.
