Jeff Baena’s Last Moments Before His Tragic Death
Filmmaker Jeff Baena, best known for his indie films Life After Beth and The Little Hours, tragically passed away by suicide on January 3, 2025. Despite his quiet separation from actress Aubrey Plaza months earlier, the White Lotus star revealed that she received a text from her estranged husband just three hours before he was found dead, according to a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report obtained by E! News on March 19.
Although the couple had split in September 2024 after three years of marriage, Plaza, 40, told investigators that she and Baena, 47, remained in contact. Police reports indicate that the pair even spoke on the phone the night before his death.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s Relationship Timeline
2011: A Fateful Meeting and the Beginning of a Romance
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena began dating in 2011 after meeting during a game of Balderdash. The couple quickly bonded over their mutual love for films, which would later lead to multiple professional collaborations.
2014: Their First Film Collaboration – Life After Beth
Three years into their relationship, Baena directed Plaza in Life After Beth, a dark comedy that showcased their creative synergy. This marked the first of four films they worked on together.
2019: A Rare Public Insight into Their Relationship
Though they kept their romance private, Plaza shared in a 2019 interview that being with someone in the entertainment industry had its advantages. “When you’re with someone in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level,” she told People.
2021: Plaza Confirms Marriage to Baena
After nearly a decade together, Plaza subtly confirmed their marriage in May 2021. She referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post celebrating his latest project, Spin Me Round.
2022: Jeff Baena on Why Their Relationship Worked
In a rare interview, Baena spoke about working with Plaza, stating, “She’s awesome. I’d be working with her if she wasn’t my wife, but luckily, she is my wife.” Their creative bond remained strong throughout their marriage.
2022: Their Final Film Together – Spin Me Round
The duo collaborated one last time on Spin Me Round, a film that marked the end of their working partnership before their separation.
Separation and Baena’s Final Days
In September 2024, Plaza and Baena quietly separated, with Plaza moving to New York. According to reports, Baena exhibited concerning behavior following their split, prompting Plaza to ask a friend to perform a welfare check on him.
While he had begun attending therapy, his struggles persisted. On the morning of his death, his dog walker arrived as scheduled and, upon hearing loud music—described as “unusual”—entered his home to find his lifeless body.
Baena’s sudden passing left many shocked, with Plaza and his family releasing a joint statement calling it an “unimaginable tragedy.” They asked for privacy as they mourned his loss.
A Lasting Legacy in Film
Jeff Baena’s family honored his life in an obituary, emphasizing his dedication to independent filmmaking and his passion for storytelling. “His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us,” they wrote, celebrating his ability to bring people together through his work.
Despite his untimely passing, Baena’s contributions to cinema—and his influence on those around him—will be remembered.
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