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Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza.
Mark Davis/Getty Images for Sundance NEXTAubrey Plaza and family pay tribute Jeff Baena.
“It is with deep sadness and grief that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Jeff Baena, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many,” said Baena’s obituary, which was published in the Miami Heraldread. “Jeff left us too soon, but despite his sadly short life, he left behind fond memories of a gifted filmmaker, but also a very special person on so many different levels.”
While the obituary honored Baena for his achievements in the entertainment industry, his loved ones shared some insight into how he discovered his passion for film, which he “fell in love with” when he was “11 years old and watching movies.” A Clockwork Orange and Felini’s 8 1/2.”
“Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance between the logical and the improbable. His combination of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his unalterable distaste for institutional guardrails on creativity,” the message continued. “Those who have worked with him praise his vision, taste, technical competence and ability to bring actors together into an ensemble that performs in perfect harmony. There was always a family atmosphere. He loved nature and emphasized it cinematically-graphically in his films wherever and whenever possible.”
Aubrey Plaza is on everyone’s thoughts as actors pay tribute to her husband, Jeff Baena, following the director’s shocking death. Baena’s friend and longtime collaborator Adam Pally shared an emotional Instagram statement on Sunday, January 5, saying: ‘He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, he was a connector of people, […]
Besides his work, which he did a lot at Plaza, Baena also “loved the company of his friends.”
“Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together, both on and off the film set,” the obituary said. “His magic sauce ensured that everyone had a good time and that no one ever left his meetings feeling like a stranger.”
Baena’s obituary also revealed that he also had an affinity with the novel, The Little Princeand included a moving quote from the beloved children’s book.
“When he was a boy, Jeff loved to read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ironically, the Little Prince exclaims: ‘I don’t have much time. I have to find friends and learn so many things.’ And so it was for Jeff,” the post said.
Baena is survived by Plaza, his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.
“We will always love and miss Jeff dearly,” the obituary concluded. “His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had much more to offer. Sadly, that’s all gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”
Aubrey Plaza spoke briefly about 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 am married to a writer/director. I’ve never really dated an actor before [or] been with one […]
Baena died on January 3. He was 47 years old. According to medical examiner records, reviewed by We weeklyBaena’s official cause of death is listed as suicide. After news of Baena’s passing broke, Plaza’s representative released a statement on her behalf.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement read Us read. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”