Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s Husband, Honored in Heartbreaking Obituary

Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, is remembered after his suicide at age 47.

An obituary of the late filmmaker, published in the Miami Herald, looks back on his life after his “sudden and unexpected” death on January 3.

Describing Baena as “a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many,” it reads: “Jeff left us too soon, but despite his sadly too short life, he also left us precious memories of a gifted filmmaker. as a very special person on so many different levels.

The obituary recalls his early days in Miami, adding his studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and his move to Los Angeles to pursue his filmmaking dreams.

After honoring him for being “a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off the set,” the obituary continued, “as a child, Jeff loved reading ‘The Little Prince’ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. . Ironically, the Little Prince cries: “I don’t have much time. I have friends to find and so much to learn. And it was the same for Jeff.

It also lists his loved ones, including his famous wife, who deactivated her Instagram account after his death.

“Jeff is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza; parents, Barbara Stern (Roger) and Scott Baena (Michele); brother, Brad (Ivette); sister-in-law Bianca Gabay (Mauritius); half-brother Jed Fluxman (Nicole); nephews Jake Baena and Leo Fluxman; nieces Brielle Baena, Ava and Olivia Gabay,” we can read. “Jeff joins his beloved Stevie.”

The obituary concluded: “Jeff will always be loved and deeply missed. His presence, as well as his work, made the world a better place. He had much more to offer. Sadly, all that has disappeared. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.

Baena was a screenwriter and director whose credits included “I Heart Huckabees” (2004), “Life After Beth” (2014), “Horse Girl” (2020) and his latest film, “Spin Me Round” (2022).

He started dating Plaza in 2011, but they didn’t get married until 2021.

“The marriage was like a joke that honestly went too far,” the “Parks and Recreation” star told Drew Barrymore after their wedding.

“We got married on a whim,” Plaza recalls. “I literally decided around 5 p.m. and got married at 8:30 p.m.”

“The White Lotus” actress broke her silence days after her husband’s death in a statement to the couple’s family.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered their support. Please respect our privacy during this time,” the statement obtained by The Post read.

Baena’s funeral took place in Miami on January 10, according to People.

After his death, Plaza gave up her participation in the Golden Globes, where she was chosen as presenter.

Plaza and Baena lived together in Los Angeles. It’s unclear if their home was among the many celebrity homes affected by the deadly Los Angeles fires.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line to 741741.