Eight months after the death of filmmaker Jeff Baena, his estranged wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, has spoken openly for the first time about her grief, describing the loss as 'devastating and life-altering'.
Baena, known for directing indie films and frequently collaborating with Plaza, died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47.
Aubrey Plaza Reflects on Jeff's Passing
In a profoundly moving episode of Amy Poehler's Good Hangout podcast, Aubrey opened up about navigating the profound grief following the death of her husband through suicide.
Plaza shared, 'Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you,' adding, 'Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm okay, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously.'
She poignantly compared her grief to the sci-fi/horror film The Gorge, describing it as 'a giant ocean of awfulness' and likening the emotional landscape to a gorge filled with 'monster people'.
'I was like that feels like what my grief is like ... or what grief could be like. At all times there's like a giant ocean of awfulness, that's like right there and I can see it...,' she said.
Audrey added, 'Sometimes I just want to dive into it, and just like be in it. Then sometimes I look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, it's always there.'
Looking Back at Jeff Baena's Life
Jeff Baena was an American screenwriter and film director from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of New York University's film school. He co-wrote I Heart Huckabees and directed acclaimed indie films, including Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022), often collaborating with Aubrey Plaza and Alison Brie.
Jeff and Aubrey began dating after meeting at a game night in 2011 and quietly married in 2021, during their tenth anniversary, in a small backyard ceremony.
In subsequent reports, Aubrey revealed that she arranged an officiant via OneHourMarriage.com and even fashioned a 'love altar' with tie-dye pyjamas and a rosemary wreath blessing for their wedding. The couple quietly separated in September 2024 before Baena's death by suicide.
Receiving Threats Following Their Marriage
In a 2022 Cosmopolitan interview, Aubrey—who identifies as bisexual—revealed that Jeff 'got death threats in his DMs' after their quirky backyard wedding surfaced publicly.
Plaza noted the intensity of fan reactions, especially among queer followers who felt hurt by the news: 'People project so much stuff onto marriage,' she said, clarifying it wasn't some big statement I was trying to make. '
The surprisingly personal disclosure shed light on the darker side of fame—and how deeply some fans can emotionally react to an artist's choices.
How The Industry Reacted to Jeff's Passing
Following his passing, a statement from Aubrey and both of their families later ruled the incident as 'an unimaginable tragedy', and subsequently asked for privacy.
An obituary in the Miami Herald remembered him as a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend, and noted his gift for building connections—a theme echoed by peers.
Tributes poured in from colleagues: Adam Pally called Jeff 'a talented director with impeccable taste,' and Jake Johnson wrote, 'I love you, Jeff. Hate your last move. But still love you.'
Moving Forward
Jeff's life and career were marked by creativity, collaboration, and a quiet devotion to those he cared about most. His unexpected death in January 2025 left a profound void not only for Aubrey Plaza but also for the many peers and fans who admired his work.
Plaza's candid reflections highlight both the depth of her grief and her resilience. Despite the personal struggles that shadowed their marriage, she continues to honour Baena's memory while focusing on her career and healing.
Baena's life and work remain celebrated for their creativity, humour, and humanity, leaving a lasting mark on independent cinema and those who knew him.
