Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

As a journalist, I have had the privilege of delving into countless lives, uncovering their stories, and understanding their journeys. However, few stories have touched me as deeply as that of Jeff Baena, a man who lived his dreams with unparalleled passion and tenacity.

Born in Miami, Jeff’s journey to Hollywood was not an easy one. He graduated from New York University with a film degree and moved to LA with little more than ambition and determination. His struggle, marked by low-level jobs for big directors, is a testament to the grit and resilience that characterized his life.

Jeff’s work speaks volumes about his creativity and vision. From co-writing I Heart Huckabees to directing Life After Beth, his films were not just pieces of art but reflections of his soul. His final project, Spin Me Round, was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.

What struck me most about Jeff was his quiet strength and the depth of his love for his wife, The White Lotus star, Aubrey Plaza. Their relationship, kept largely out of the limelight, was a beautiful testament to their shared passion for storytelling. His final Instagram post with Aubrey, filled with love and pride, is a poignant reminder of their bond.

In the end, Jeff Baena was not just a talented filmmaker but a man who lived his dreams, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on those around him. As I write this, I can’t help but think of a joke he might have made – “They say life is like a movie, but I always thought I was the director. Turns out, it was just a cameo.” Rest in peace, Jeff Baena. Your story will continue to inspire us.

Aubrey Plaza recently opened up about her marriage to Jeff Baena in an interview with Howard Stern, discussing some unique aspects of their relationship, prior to Baena’s unexpected passing at the age of 47.

Approximately four months back, the actress aged 40 discussed her marriage to a screenwriter-director during her interview on The Howard Stern Show.

In her radio interview held in September 2024, she discussed how she manages friendships and relationships within her profession.

When Stern proposed that it was advantageous for her to be married to a filmmaker instead of an actor, the actress from Parks and Recreation concurred with this idea.

She also spoke about how is ‘happy’ overall, in spite of Stern pushing back. 

When Stern hinted that her role wasn’t delivering the joy she believed it would, she chuckled and responded: “Being on top can be quite isolating.

Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

‘I don’t know how much of this is a put on, but it sounds like you’re not that happy,’ he told her.

‘I really don’t know. I can’t tell you what’s real or not. That’s my problem.’ 

When Stern inquired about her having friends she questions their authenticity as friends, she responded: ‘No, I tend to be quite discerning when it comes to choosing my friends.’

Many of my friends are those I’ve known since my high school days, with a few more acquaintances added along the way. However, I don’t actively seek out new friendships.

To this, he followed up by querying about the validity of what she was feeling, and she clarified that she meant her emotions.

Actress from “The White Lotus” clarified and expounded on the fact that being an actor requires her to skillfully manage her emotions, a talent which psychologist Stern deemed potentially harmful.

He discussed mixed emotions with her and enquired if she ever experienced a sense of competition when dating someone else who was also in the same profession.

She mentioned that she had never seriously dated an actor for a prolonged period.

Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47
Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

In September 2024, Plaza recorded an interview with Stern. This took place only a few months prior to when her husband was discovered deceased, aged 47, in their residence located in Los Angeles.

On a Friday morning around 10:30 AM, an assistant discovered that Baena had passed away at his Los Angeles residence. This information has been verified by DailyMail.com.

The Life After Beth director was pronounced dead at the scene. 

According to what they shared with Deadline, the family is deeply saddened by the recent news and requests solitude as they deal with it privately now.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Baena representatives and to the police for comment.

After earning my film degree from New York University, I packed up and headed west to Los Angeles, ready to kick-start my career in the world of cinema.

In the early stages of his career, he took on entry-level positions under prominent filmmakers like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell, eventually securing roles as a production assistant for Zemeckis and an assistant editor for Russell, helping him establish himself in the entertainment industry.

He gained significant recognition for being the director of his first film, Life After Beth, which featured Plaza as a cast member, along with The Little Hours as well.

Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47
Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

He also co-wrote I Heart Huckabees, which was nominated for a 2004 Gotham Award for Best Feature. 

Additionally, he penned “Life After Beth,” a movie that debuted at Sundance in 2014. Similarly, his film titled “Joshy” made its premiere at this esteemed event and was recognized with a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize.

The Miami native also worked on Horse Girl and Spin Me Round. 

In the realm of TV production, he took charge as both director and executive producer for the Showtime series titled “Cinema Toast.” Alongside his spouse, he also shared the role of co-director on this project.

In May 2021, he quietly wed the star of The White Lotus, a decision they made ten years after their initial meeting in 2011. They’ve mostly managed to keep their romantic life away from public scrutiny.

Plaza has not publicly commented on the death of her husband. 

The actress’s final Instagram post with her husband revealed how ‘proud’ she was of him.

Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47
Aubrey Plaza spoke fondly of husband Jeff Baena in rare interview just four months ahead of his death at 47

Back in May 2021, I took to social media to honor my beloved spouse, a heartfelt tribute from me, your dedicated follower.

In May of 2021, I couldn’t help but express my deep appreciation for my cherished partner in a touching post that I shared with all of you, my valued followers.

I’m incredibly proud of my beloved husband, Jeff Baena, for coming up with yet another film idea that takes us on a journey to Italy and causes even more mischief,” she wrote in her post.

The heartbreaking last post together featured the star couple lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes and was accompanied with screenshots of a Deadline article detailing their ‘new assignment’ – the 2022 film Spin Me Round. 

Baena is left behind by his spouse, his mother Barbara Stern (also known as his stepmother due to a previous remarriage), his father Roger Stern (also known as his stepfather due to his mother’s remarriage), another woman named Michele who is also referred to as his stepmother, his brother Brad, and his two additional step-siblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.

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2025-01-04 19:49

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