A devastating update has emerged about the relationship between actress Aubrey Plaza and director Jeff Baena, who died by suicide earlier this year at age 47.
According to Daily Mail, newly released records from the LA County Medical Examiner revealed that Plaza, 40, and Baena, 47, had separated in September 2024, months before the director's death on January 3, 2025.
The couple's separation came to light through an autopsy report that detailed how Baena had been experiencing marital difficulties and attending therapy.
Plaza remained in New York after their split, while Baena continued living in their former marital home in Los Angeles, where his body was later discovered.
Concerning Events Before Director's Death
Baena's mental health struggles became apparent in October 2024 when he made worrying remarks to Plaza that prompted her to ask a friend to check on him. Following this incident, the director began attending therapy sessions to address his difficulties.
On the morning of January 3, Plaza received a text message from Baena, confirming he was still alive at that point. Later that day, a dog walker discovered his body after hearing unusually loud music coming from the house and receiving no response when calling out to him.
The autopsy report indicated that no alcohol or drugs were found in Baena's system, and while he had no previous suicide attempts, he had struggled with sleep issues. Investigators found no suicide note, though they located his cell phone on a staircase step.
Career Legacy and Creative Partnership
Baena's journey in the film industry began after graduating from New York University. He worked his way up through various roles, including positions as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and as an assistant editor for David O. Russell.
His directorial debut came with "Life After Beth," which starred Plaza and premiered at Sundance in 2014. The film marked the beginning of their creative collaboration, which continued through several projects, including "The Little Hours" and Showtime's "Cinema Toast."
The filmmaker's other notable works included co-writing "I Heart Huckabees," which earned a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature in 2004. His film "Joshy" also received recognition at Sundance with a Grand Jury Prize nomination.
Impact on Entertainment Community
Plaza has maintained a relatively low profile since Baena's passing, though she made an appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special on February 16, 2025. Through her representative, she released a brief statement addressing the tragedy.
An investigator noted in the report that Plaza spoke with her estranged husband the night before his death. The conversation details remain private, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship even after separation.
Representatives for Plaza expressed gratitude for the support received while requesting privacy during this difficult period. The statement reflected the profound impact of the loss on both personal and professional circles.
Final Chapter in Creative Partnership
The revelation of Plaza and Baena's separation adds another layer to their decade-long relationship, which began as a creative partnership before evolving into marriage in 2020. Their collaboration produced several successful independent films and television projects.
The couple's work together demonstrated their shared artistic vision, with projects that often blended comedy and darker themes. Their professional partnership continued even as their personal relationship faced challenges.
Baena's passing marks the end of a significant chapter in independent filmmaking, leaving behind a body of work that showcased his unique directorial voice and creative partnership with Plaza.
