Cause Of Death For Director Jeff Baena, 47, Revealed

The medical examiner has reportedly determined the cause of death for writer and director Jeff Baena as a suicide after the 47-year-old was found dead at his Los Angeles home over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Baena confirmed his death two days ago, releasing a statement that said, “The family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.” 

Baena is the husband of “White Lotus” and “Parks and Recreation” actress Aubrey Plaza and is best known for his work on “Horse Girl,” “Joshy,” “The Little Hours,” and “Life After Beth,” which starred Plaza, as The Daily Wire previously reported.

He and Plaza married in 2021 after dating quietly for years prior. The two had worked on several projects together, including the 2014 horror-comedy “Life After Beth” and the 2017 historical comedy “The Little Hours.” 

In addition to directing, Baena co-wrote the popular 2004 comedy “I Heart Huckabees.” Baena’s films were shown at major industry events, including Sundance and South by Southwest. He had movies released by major distributors such as Netflix, IFC, and Lionsgate, Variety reported.

Director Brady Corbet mentioned Baena’s death during his Golden Globes acceptance speech Sunday night. Plaza was initially slated to be one of the night’s presenters but did not attend the event.

Corbet won Best Director for “The Brutalist.” He thanked the award show for the honor and then mentioned Baena.

“Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family,” Corbet said at the conclusion of his speech. “Goodnight.”

Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU film school. He became a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis. He worked on several projects before taking a job as an assistant editor for writer-director David O. Russell, with whom he worked on “I Heart Huckabees.”

Baena is survived by wife Aubrey Plaza, mom Barbara Stern and stepfather Roger Stern, dad Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena and stepsister and stepbrother Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.