Aubrey Plaza Breaks Her Silence After the Tragic Death of Her Husband, Jeff Baena, at 47

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Aubrey Plaza has finally broken her silence following the tragic death of her husband, Jeff Baena, at the age of 47. The 40-year-old actress shared a brief but emotional statement, saying, “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are incredibly grateful for all the support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Aubrey Plaza Speaks Out Amid Tragedy

This statement came after Plaza was forced to miss her hosting duties at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held in Los Angeles on Sunday. The announcement that Plaza would be hosting had been made just days before the heartbreaking news. Officials from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Baena’s death was a suicide, with the director being found at a home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA.

A Sudden Loss and Plaza’s Absence from the Golden Globes

Plaza, who had been with Baena since 2011 and married him in 2021, worked closely with her late husband on several projects, including films like Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022).

While Plaza did not attend the Golden Globes, director Brady Corbet, who helmed The Brutalist (2024), honored both Plaza and Baena during his acceptance speech for Best Director, saying, “Tonight, my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family. Rest in peace, Jeff.” As the camera panned to actor Adrien Brody, 51, visibly moved in the audience, Corbet’s heartfelt words resonated throughout the room.

A Director’s Tribute at the Golden Globes

Though Baena never received a Golden Globe nomination, he was recognized with multiple Jury Prize nominations for his work at the Sundance Film Festival, particularly for Joshy (2016) and Life After Beth (2014). His legacy as a director and writer is marked by his collaborations with creative minds and his deep passion for storytelling.

The speculation surrounding Plaza’s potential appearance at the Golden Globes sparked a wave of reactions from fans on X/Twitter, with many urging the media to respect her privacy during such a painful time. One user posted, “Why would anyone expect Aubrey Plaza to show up at the Golden Globes just two days after losing her husband?” Others echoed similar sentiments, reminding everyone that Plaza was entitled to grieve in peace.

Online Reactions and the Need for Privacy

One particularly poignant response to the online chatter came from a user who stated, “She just lost her partner of 14 years. Stop expecting her to perform for your entertainment. Let her grieve.” Another criticized the distasteful comments circulating online, saying, “Her husband just passed, and some of you are tweeting about her being single. Have some compassion.”

Plaza has been showered with support from fellow actors, including Julia Fox and Selma Blair, both of whom expressed their condolences. Blair wrote on Instagram, “No words can express the grief during this time,” while Fox shared a heartfelt message: “Sending you so much love .” Actress Alison Brie also posted tributes to Baena, highlighting his influence as both a filmmaker and a beloved friend.

Condolences from Hollywood’s A-List

In addition, comedian Adam Pally, a close collaborator and friend of Baena, honoured him with a heartfelt message on Instagram. “He was a mentor, a talented director, a stubborn basketball player, and above all, a loyal friend,” Pally wrote. “We are all heartbroken but thankful for every moment we spent with him.”

Baena, originally from Miami, was a graduate of New York University and made his mark in the indie film world. His directorial work included Horse Girl (2020) and Joshy (2016), both of which were screened at Sundance. He also worked on the 2021 Cinema Toast series and co-wrote the script for I Heart Huckabees (2004) alongside David O. Russell.

Jeff Baena’s Indie Filmmaking Journey

As Plaza continues to cope with this overwhelming loss, her upcoming career projects, including her Emmy-nominated role in The White Lotus (2023), will surely be impacted by the immense grief she’s enduring. However, her fans and colleagues alike are rallying behind her, offering words of comfort and encouragement.

In the wake of this tragedy, Plaza is surrounded by those who care, including her mother-in-law, Barbara Stern, and her stepfather, Roger Stern, among other family members.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.