Aubrey Plaza, the US actress, and the family of her late husband, director Jeff Baena, have expressed deep sorrow following his tragic death at the age of 47.
Baena’s passing on Friday was ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. His body was found near the Fern Dell Nature Trail in the Hollywood Hills.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Plaza and the Baena/Stern family described the loss as “an unimaginable tragedy” and expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received during this incredibly difficult time.
They also requested privacy as they mourned, asking that their wishes be respected.
Baena’s surviving family members include his mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather, Roger Stern; his father, Scott Baena, and stepmother, Michele Baena; his brother, Brad Baena; stepsister Bianca Gabay; and stepbrother Jed Fluxman.
Baena was best known for his work on films like The Little Hours, Life After Beth, and Joshy. He married Plaza in 2021, a union that saw them collaborate on multiple projects.
Baena had a background in film, having graduated from New York University, and worked with notable filmmakers like Robert Zemeckis and David O.
Russell before venturing into directing. His directorial debut came in 2014 with Life After Beth, a zombie comedy that starred Plaza.
Plaza, who gained fame for her roles in The White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, had been set to present at the Golden Globes ceremony just days before Baena’s death, though she did not attend.
During the ceremony, filmmaker Brady Corbet, who won Best Director for The Brutalist, honored Baena in his acceptance speech, expressing his condolences to Plaza and Baena’s family.
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