Read the Obituary of Aubrey Plaza’s Late Husband, Jeff Baena.
Aubrey Plaza and her family are honoring Jeff Baena.
“With deep sadness and sorrow, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Jeff Baena, a cherished son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many,” stated Baena’s obituary published in the Miami Herald. “Jeff’s departure came too soon, but in his tragically brief life, he gifted us with precious memories of a talented filmmaker and a truly special person on countless levels.”
The obituary celebrated Baena’s contributions to the entertainment world, while his loved ones shared how he discovered his love for film at the age of “11, captivated by A Clockwork Orange and Fellini’s 8 1/2.”
“Each of his films showcases a thoughtfully balanced blend of logic and the unreal. His combination of intellect and creativity pushed us to think differently. He embraced independent filmmaking due to his strong aversion to the institutional constraints on creativity,” the message elaborated. “Colleagues praised his vision, taste, technical skill, and his ability to unify actors into a harmonious ensemble. He fostered a family-like atmosphere on set, and his love for nature was beautifully reflected in the cinematography of his films.”
In addition to his prolific work, which often involved Plaza, Baena was known to “cherish the company of his friends.”
“Jeff was a genuine relationship builder with a talent for gathering people both on and off the film set,” his obituary noted. “His magic ingredient was ensuring everyone enjoyed themselves; no one ever left his gatherings feeling like a stranger.”
Furthermore, Baena’s obituary highlighted his admiration for the novel The Little Prince, featuring a poignant quote from the beloved children’s book.
“As a child, Jeff found joy in reading The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ironically, the Little Prince states, ‘I haven’t much time. I have friends to find and so many things to learn.’ And so it was for Jeff,” the post expressed.
Baena is survived by Plaza, his parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces.
“We will always love and profoundly miss Jeff,” the obituary concluded. “His presence, along with his artistry, made the world a better place. He had so much more to give. Sadly, all that is lost. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”
Baena passed away on January 3 at the age of 47. According to medical examiner records reviewed by Us Weekly, his official cause of death is listed as suicide. Following the news of Baena’s death, Plaza’s representative released a statement on her behalf.
“This is an incomprehensible tragedy,” the statement to Us conveyed. “We are immensely thankful to everyone for their support. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.”