Film director Jeff Baena, 47, tragically died by suicide in his Los Angeles home, which he shared with actress Aubrey Plaza. His body was discovered by an assistant on January 4, 2025. Baena, known for directing films like “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” began his career after graduating from NYU and worked under acclaimed directors such as Robert Zemeckis. He secretly married Plaza in 2020, and she has yet to publicly comment on his passing. Baena is survived by his wife and family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. For support, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- If you need help and support, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Film director Jeff Baena has died by suicide inside the Los Angeles home he shared with his actress wife, Aubrey Plaza.
A 47-year-old man died by hanging on a property in Los Feliz, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a post-mortem update Friday.
His body was discovered by an assistant at the home he bought in 2022, and officers were called to the home at 10:25 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department told DailyMail.com.
“A man, approximately 47 years old, was pronounced dead but was not transported,” they said in a statement.
“We responded to the 2100 block of Fern Dale Place for a death investigation. Officers responded for the death of a male,” the Los Angeles Police Department added to DailyMail.com. The “Life After Beth” director was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 47-year-old man died by hanging on a property in Los Feliz, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a post-mortem update Friday.
Baena was found dead in his Los Angeles home by an assistant around 10:30 a.m. Friday. He is seen here with his wife Aubrey Plaza
Baena’s family told Deadline they are shocked by the news and have asked for privacy at this time.
Baena entered the film world after graduating from New York University with a degree in film and moving to Los Angeles to begin her career.
He gained a foothold in the industry while working in lower-level jobs under big-name directors like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell. He worked as a production assistant for Zemeckis and as an editorial assistant for Russell.
He is best known for directing Life After Beth and Little Hours, his directorial debut starring Plaza.
Baena also co-wrote I Heart Huckabees, which was nominated for the 2004 Gotham Award for Best Feature.
He also wrote Life After Beth, which premiered at Sundance in 2014. His film “Josie” also premiered at the prestigious festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize.
The Miami native also worked on “Horse Girl” and “Spin Me Round.”
In his television work, he directed and executive produced the Showtime series “Cinema Toast.” He co-directed this production with his wife.
Baena entered the film world after graduating from New York University with a degree in film and moving to Los Angeles to begin her career.
In her last post with Baena, shared in May 2021, the award-winning actress praised her “beloved husband”
He secretly married the White Lotus star in 2020, about 10 years after they met, and kept their relationship mostly out of the public eye.
Plaza has not publicly commented on her husband’s death.
The actress’ last Instagram post with her husband revealed how “proud” she is of him.
In her last post with Baena, shared in May 2021, the award-winning actress praised her “beloved husband.”
“So proud of my beloved husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another movie that would take us to Italy and cause even more trouble,” she captioned the post.
In the heartbreaking final post, the star couple are seen gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, and they share details about their “new mission”, the 2022 film Spin Me Round. A screenshot of the Deadline article was also attached.
Baena is survived by his wife, mother Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, and stepbrothers Bianca Gabay and Jed Flaxman.
