Hey everyone it's tough news time. We're talking about Aubrey Plaza and her late husband Jeff Baena. Recent reports are giving us more details about what happened before Jeff's death and it paints a really sad picture of a couple going through a difficult time.
Separated Months Before: Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Were Navigating Marital Difficulties Before His Passing
According to a medical examiner's report Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena were actually Separated for several months before Jeff's death. The report says they split up back in September 2024. That's about four months before Jeff sadly passed away in January 2025.
Apparently things were strained between them. The report mentions "recent marital difficulties". It also says that Jeff made some "concerning remarks" to Aubrey in October 2024 which led Aubrey to ask a friend to check on him. Following that welfare check Jeff started going to therapy. It sounds like they were both trying to work through some tough stuff even while living apart.
The last message Aubrey got from Jeff was on the morning of his death. Just hours later his dog walker found him at his home in Los Angeles. It's just a really heartbreaking situation all around.
"Unimaginable Tragedy": Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's Family Share Heartfelt Statement
After Jeff's death Aubrey and his family released a joint statement calling it an "unimaginable tragedy." They also said they were "deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support" and asked for privacy during that incredibly painful period. It's clear this is a deeply personal loss for everyone involved and respecting their need for space is important.
A Look Back at Aubrey and Jeff's Relationship: From Indie Films to Tie-Dye Wedding Pajamas
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena were together for a long time about 13 years in total. They started dating in 2011 and actually got married in May 2021. It was kind of a surprise to fans when they announced they were married. Aubrey casually called Jeff her "darling husband" in an Instagram post and later her rep confirmed they had indeed tied the knot.
They weren't just partners in life they were also creative collaborators. Jeff was a writer and director and Aubrey starred in a few of his films. He directed her in his debut movie Life After Beth a zombie comedy. She was also in his movies Joshy and The Little Hours. Jeff even created the anthology series Cinema Toast where Aubrey made her directorial debut. They clearly shared a passion for film and worked together on some cool projects.
Interestingly Aubrey had talked about how their careers sometimes meant they had to spend time apart. Back in 2019 she told People that she thought it was "kind of fun" because "nothing is ever the same." She felt the independence and breaks could be a good thing for their relationship as long as they didn't spend "too much time apart." It sounds like they had found a way to balance their individual careers with their life together or at least they were trying to.
Subtle Tribute at SNL 50th Anniversary: Aubrey Plaza's Tie-Dye Nod to Jeff Baena
Even though Aubrey has mostly stayed out of the public eye since Jeff's passing she did make a brief but meaningful appearance at the SNL 50th anniversary special in February. Fans noticed she was wearing a tie-dye shirt. It turns out this was a subtle and sweet tribute to Jeff.
Aubrey had previously shared that Jeff got really into tie-dye during the pandemic quarantine. In fact when they got married they wore tie-dye pajamas that Jeff had made. So her tie-dye shirt at SNL was likely a way to honor him and their shared memories. It was a quiet but powerful way to acknowledge him on a big public stage.
Remembering Jeff Baena's Work: A Director and Writer with a Unique Vision
Let's not forget Jeff Baena's own creative contributions. He had a distinct voice as a writer and director often working in comedy with a bit of a dark or quirky edge. He co-wrote the movie I Heart Huckabees back in 2004. His directorial debut Life After Beth showcased Aubrey's talent in a zombie rom-com. He also directed Joshy and The Little Hours and created Cinema Toast. His last film Spin Me Round a dark comedy came out in 2022. Jeff Baena left behind a body of work that reflects his unique creative vision and collaborations with talented actors like Aubrey and others in the indie film world.
Listing Key Moments in Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's Relationship:
- 2011: Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena start dating.
- 2014: Baena directs Plaza in her lead role in Life After Beth.
- May 2021: Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena get married in a private ceremony wearing tie-dye pajamas made by Jeff.
- September 2024: Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena separate after 13 years together.
- October 2024: Aubrey Plaza requests a welfare check on Jeff Baena after concerning remarks; Baena begins therapy.
- January 3 2025: Jeff Baena passes away by suicide.
- February 2025: Aubrey Plaza wears a tie-dye shirt to the SNL 50th anniversary special as a tribute to Jeff.
Sending Support to Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's Loved Ones
This is a really sad and difficult situation. Our thoughts are with Aubrey Plaza Jeff Baena's family and all their loved ones during this time. It is a reminder that even in Hollywood behind the celebrity spotlight there are real People dealing with real struggles and losses. If you or someone you know is struggling please remember there are resources available. You can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help and support.