Jeff Baena, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his work on indie hits likeLife After BethandThe Little Hours, has passed away at the age of 47, having been found yesterday morning in his Los Angeles home. Law enforcement has ruled his death a suicide. Baena was married to actressAubrey Plaza,getting together in 2011 before tying the knot officially a decade later, in 2021. The couple frequently worked together after getting married, with Plaza starring in several of Baena’s films, includingLife After BethandSpin Me Round(2022), which proved to be Baena’s final film. Plaza had previously spoken about how big an impact Baena had made in helping her to navigate the difficulties of the film and TV industry.She told Peoplein an interview:
“I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level. So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we’re both on.”
What Films Did Jeff Baena Make?
After earning his degree at New York University, Baena moved to Los Angeles, where he got his big break in Hollywood working alongsideDavid O. Russell,which proved to be an immense success when he co-wrote the 2004 filmI Heart Huckabees, which starredDustin Hoffman, Jude Law, Mark WahlbergandLily Tomlin,and received some terrific reviews upon its release.
Life After Bethwas his directorial debut in 2014, a horror comedy which starred Plaza alongsideJohn C. ReillyandMolly Shannon. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize before its A24 release. He earned a second Grand Jury Prize nomination in 2016 forJoshy, a comedy-drama filmwhich starredThomas Middleditch, Nick Kroll, Jenny SlateandLauren Graham.
The Little Hoursfollowed in 2017, a medieval black comedy which reunited Baena with Reilly, Shannon, Plaza alongsideAlison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Miccucci, Fred ArmisenandNick Offerman. Brie would go on to lead his next film,Horse Girl, a psychological dramawhich premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.Baena’s final film would beSpin Me Round, a dark comedy once again starring Brie, Plaza, Shannon andAlessandro Nivola. Baena was also the creator of television seriesCinema Toaston Showtime.
Everyone at Collider sends our thoughts and prayers to those affected by Baena’s passing at this time. If you or someone you know is struggling help is available at theSuicide and Crisis Lifeline.
