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Baena, 47, had been married to Plaza since May 2021 and was reportedly found at his Los Angeles home last week.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the cause of Baena’s passing but has not disclosed further details.
Plaza and the Baena/Stern family released a joint statement to The Independent, calling it “an unimaginable tragedy.” They expressed gratitude to those who have offered support and requested privacy during this time.
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued an update, stating: “Death was determined for an approximately 47-year-old male, no transport.”
The Los Angeles Police Department also confirmed the incident, stating that “officers responded to the 2100 block of Fern Dale Place for an investigation.”
Plaza’s representatives later shared a statement with Deadline: “The family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.”
Baena was well-known for his work on films such as The Little Hours, Life After Beth, and Joshy.
Reports suggest that Plaza and Baena were in a relationship from 2011 before quietly marrying in 2021. The couple worked together on multiple projects, including Spin Me Round, The Little Hours, and Life After Beth.
In a lighthearted moment shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Plaza revealed that their wedding ceremony, held at home during the pandemic, was officiated by someone from the website “OneHourMarriage.com.” She joked, “I don’t recall much of it; everything was hazy. But I am very confident that it is legal.”
Baena is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza; his mother, Barbara Stern; his father, Scott Baena; his stepfather, Roger Stern; and his stepmother, Michele Baena. He is also survived by his brother, Brad Baena, and step-siblings, Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
At the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5, filmmaker Brady Corbet of The Brutalist paid tribute to Baena during his acceptance speech for Best Filmmaker. He concluded with a heartfelt message: “Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family—good night.”