Jeff Baena, the independent director and screenwriter known for such offbeat hits as Life After Beth and the husband of its star Aubrey Plaza, has died at the age of 47.
The Los Angeles coroner said Baena died at his Los Angeles home on Friday at around 10:39 a.m. local time, and that he had taken his own life.
The coroner said his body will be released to his family.
Baena's The Little Hour, a dark comedy set in a 14th-century convent, was released in 2017 and is one of his most famous works, with Plaza at the helm. Plaza and Baena have been dating since around 2011 and announced in a social media post that they got married in 2021.
variety noticed “The Little Hour'' is said to be somewhat influenced by the 14th century classic “The Decameron'' by Giovanni Boccaccio. According to the newspaper, Baena studied the Middle Ages and Renaissance era.
Plaza also starred in Baena's 2014 zombie-themed romantic comedy Life After Beth.
Baena also co-wrote the comedy I Heart Huckabees with David O. Russell in 2004. This indie film explores existential struggles with dark humor and stars Dustin Hoffman, Naomi Watts, Jason Schwartzman, Lily Tomlin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Mark Wahlberg, and more. A full cast appeared.
Hollywood actor and comedian Marc Maron wrote in a statement to X that he was “so saddened by the tragic loss of a true artist and kind person.”
Sundance, where Baena's directorial debut Life After Beth premiered in 2014, wrote: Jeff, we will miss your wit, humor, and bold vision. Rest in peace, my friend. ”
Baena, a Miami native, attended New York University. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film People. reported.
Baena is survived by Plaza, his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena, stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, and stepbrothers Bianca Gavai and Jed Flaxman.
Plaza, who rose to fame on the comedy series “Parks and Recreation,” was announced as a presenter at Sunday's Golden Globe Awards earlier this week before her husband passed away.
