The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced the death of Jeff Baena, a writer and filmmaker whose works include “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours.”
His age was 47.
Baena passed away on Friday at his Los Angeles residence. Coroner records indicate that his cause of death was delayed.
Actor and comedian Aubrey Plaza was married to Baena. Together, the two produced a number of films, such as the historical comedy “The Little Hours” from 2017 and the horror-comedy “Life After Beth” from 2014.
Recently, the two worked together on the 2022 movie “Spin Me Round” and the 2021 comedy series “Cinema Toast.” Actress Alison Brie, who also starred in Baena’s 2020 drama “Horse Girl,” was involved in both projects.
In addition to writing and directing the 2016 dramedy “Joshy,” which starred Thomas Middleditch, Baena is well known for co-writing the critically praised 2004 movie “I Heart Huckabees,” which starred Dustin Hoffman and Lily Tomlin.
The pair had been together since 2011 and were married in a private ceremony in 2021.
Plaza discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic improved their interaction with people during that period.
She remarked at the time, “Like everyone else, we were quarantined for months.” And it was enjoyable for us. On a personal and interpersonal level, I believe it was really pleasant to be compelled to stay in one location for that length of time, aside from the disastrous events occurring in the world.
Baena received her degree from the Tisch Film School at NYU. He worked as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and as an assistant editor for David O. Russell, with whom he co-wrote “Huckabees,” after relocating to Los Angeles to seek a career in entertainment.
“I believe that opportunities like the ones I’ve received are uncommon. “I’ve been fortunate, and I’m grateful for that,” Baena stated in a 2022 interview with Reel Talker. “I enjoy both watching films and making films. I simply rejoice in it and hope that upcoming and younger filmmakers will also have the opportunity to find their voice.
In that same interview, he shared his thoughts about working with Plaza.”
She is fantastic. He remarked, “If she weren’t my wife, I would be working with her, but fortunately she is.” “It’s incredible to have that kind of shorthand and connection. The chance to collaborate and achieve something creative that fulfils us both is quite uncommon.”
Plaza, his parents, stepparents, and his siblings survive Baena.
