Movies

Jeff Baena’s Shocking Downfall

BBG News

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary character of Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s late spouse, whose vibrant and larger-than-life persona continues to be fondly remembered after his tragic suicide at the tender age of 47.

In a heartfelt essay for Vanity Fair, published on Wednesday, close friend Alex Ross Perry reminisced about their deep bond and the iconic game nights shared with the filmmaker.

He requested a group chat to send pictures of Jeff’s house, specifically from game nights and dinners. Over the past year, Chad Hartigan sent him 60 photos depicting different gatherings. He then revealed that he had shared these images, which beautifully depicted Jeff’s home, but nothing could truly replicate the atmosphere.

Perry disclosed that Baena’s guest list for regular game nights was usually a blend of actors who might be familiar to you, filmmakers you admire, and perhaps one or more men.

During our gatherings, Perry – a man of 40 – made it clear that every personality shone equally, with one exception: Jeff’s, which towered above all.

He reminisced that it seemed as though Aubrey Plaza, his wife, was often happy to simply be another attendee at their game night events, even in their own residence. In essence, she didn’t consider it her gathering. As soon as the door would open and the guests arrived, the house transitioned from Jeff and Aubrey’s home into Jeff’s domain, governed by his rules.

Perry further elaborated that ‘game night Jeff’ was an acquaintance of his whom he had become familiar with, reminiscing about the times they enjoyed playing Codenames, Balderdash, Rummikub, and Scrabble together.

Perry remarked affectionately, “He remained unbeaten and seemingly invincible in Scrabble games. Playing against him was both awe-inspiring and infuriating, and my skills at the game are exceptional.

Perry went on to reveal that he lived with Baena for a month while filming 2016’s Joshy.

At that point, he mentioned that every evening was dedicated as game night, and each day concluded with the cast sharing meals and enjoying music carefully selected by none other than Jeff.

Perry stated that the task provided an extended period for Jeff to occupy the head seat at the table without standing for weeks. His roles included hosting, arranging, introducing, and nurturing. Whether it was at his house for a single night or on set for weeks, these were the objectives Jeff aimed to achieve.

After the sad demise of Jeff Baena, Perry has found himself pondering frequently that he will no longer have the chance to share a game night with him at the dinner table again.

He admitted, “I’m unsure of the significance these memories will hold in the end. I penned this down for future reference, to remind myself about the personal value Jeff’s house held for me.” For those who know Jeff primarily as a filmmaker, his unique social persona is crucial to grasping him as an individual.

Perry shared that Jeff constructed a house featuring an ever-open door, provisions of food and beverages, possibly some smoking amenities, and a warm welcome for friends old and new.

Perry summed up, ‘Because I lived too distant and only saw Jeff rarely, I’m not knowledgeable enough to describe Jeff’s house. Instead, I write about it. What I desire is to delve into 10 other accounts of people’s experiences within that house – the one Jeff resided in or constructed as a hub for his creative family.’

Following Baena’s passing, Perry posted a touching tribute on Instagram, commending his friend and his spouse for consistently offering him a “place to stay” in Los Angeles – a gesture of kindness that he deeply appreciated.

He took care of me by preparing delicious smoothies, ordering food from my favorite places that I wouldn’t have time to go to myself, and even stocking up on Jitlada for my trip. A surprise delivery from Magpies awaited me, but sadly there won’t be a next time, as he captioned a photo with Baena.

He went on to say, “Jeff Baena had faith in me more than many others. Reflecting on it now, it’s challenging not to consider the vast amount of encouragement and excitement I received from him over ten years.

‘Jeff introduced me to many amazingly talented individuals, as this was something he truly enjoyed. I hope our relationships with each other remain strong, and we continue to discuss him. We’re all fortunate for having had the chance to know Jeff,’ he expressed.

Previously this month, Plaza ended her silence on Baena’s demise with a brief remark that was acquired by DailyMail.

This event is beyond words; we’re incredibly appreciative of the kindness shown by all. Let us request some space as we navigate through this difficult period, thank you.” (This version attempts to preserve the original tone and intent while using simpler language.)

Plaza, who started dating Baena in 2011 and got married to him in 2021, worked together with her previous husband on films like Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022).

After her husband passed away, Plaza has received an outpouring of sympathy from many, including colleagues like Julia Fox and Selma Blair. They, along with others, have provided comforting messages to the actress-producer who is 40, in the aftermath of this family’s unfortunate event.

Baena was found dead on Friday, January 3, 2025 at his Los Angeles home.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office eventually ruled his passing a suicide by hanging.

Blair, aged 52, expressed that no words could truly capture the depth of his sorrow in a comment on Plaza’s latest Instagram post from December 24th.

Fox, 34, wrote in the thread, ‘Sending you so much love’ with an emoji of a dove.

42-year-old actress Alison Brie posted a sequence of pictures featuring Baena on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

In addition, she shared a comment by the actor-comedian Adam Pally, aged 42, who is both a friend and colleague of Baena’s, praising him for his personal and professional qualities.

Pally described him as a partner, a guide, an exceptional basketball player with a peculiar shooting style, and also someone who possessed extraordinary talent, impeccable taste, and a visionary mindset. He was a facilitator of connections, a nurturer of opportunities, the one who always knew where to find the best eatery, regardless of location.

As an ardent admirer, let me tell you about this extraordinary individual who’s more like a welcoming beacon than just a host. His hospitality borders on the uncanny, his home seems to have an almost magnetic open-door policy. He’s got a film encyclopedia that would put most libraries to shame. But what truly sets him apart for me is our unique bond, making him not just a friend, but a cherished one at that.

Expressing deep sympathy, I echo, ‘I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Aubrey and the Baena family, as well as everyone who crossed paths with him on sets, at his home, or within his circle. Thank you, Jeff, for having faith in me; may your legacy continue to inspire us.’

On her Instagram post, Barbara Crampton (an actress-producer) expressed sympathy towards Plaza, saying, ‘I’m sorry to hear that. May the support from others help you through this difficult time.’

Actor-model Rain Dove, aged 35, penned, ‘We adore Aubrey immensely, and it’s heart-wrenching to learn about the loss of their cherished one.’

May you be shielded from harm during these challenging times. Please, take as much time as necessary to deal with whatever is on your mind. Resist any urge or external pressures to get back to work until you feel ready.

Originally from Miami, Baena honed his skills at New York University before embarking on his journey in the entertainment industry. In an interview with podcaster Marc Maron back in 2017, he revealed that Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 played significant roles in inspiring him to pursue a creative career path.

Throughout his professional journey, Baena has directed five independent films, four of which premiered at Sundance, such as Horse Girl from 2020 and Joshy in 2016. Additionally, he played a key role in directing an episode for the TV series Cinema Toast in 2021.

Apart from penning all his films, he jointly received writing credits with David O. Russell for the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees.” That same year, he contributed unacknowledged scriptwork to the movie “Meet the Fockers.

The movie titled “Joshy,” prominently showcasing the Plaza and headlined by Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, and Alex Ross Perry, delves into somber subject matter. It narrates the journey of a man who’s grappling with the aftermath of his fiancée’s suicide, finding solace and support from his friends as he tries to heal.

Actress Amy Poehler, known for portraying April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation from 2009 to 2015, has experienced a significant boost in her career over the past few years following her Emmy-nominated performance in The White Lotus in 2023.

It wasn’t immediately obvious how a personal family crisis might affect her future work commitments, given that she has multiple projects at different stages.

Plaza is the one who remains after Baena’s passing; he leaves behind his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, biological father Scott Baena, stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, and stepsiblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman, according to his representative. The AP was informed of this by him.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

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2025-01-23 01:19

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