Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena shared a deeply connected story of love, creativity, and partnership that lasted over a decade but ended tragically in January 2025. Baena, the writer-director behind films like ‘Life After Beth’ and ‘The Little Hours,’ died by suicide at 47. His assistant found him at a Los Angeles home on January 3, leaving behind a wave of heartbreak.
Aubrey and Jeff had been together for 13 years, including a private marriage, and their bond brought both personal joy and creative success. His sudden loss has left the entertainment world in shock and mourning.
Aubrey Plaza Does Not Have Any Kids With Her Late Husband, Jeff Baena
Aubrey Plaza and her husband, Jeff Baena, didn’t share any children during their 13 years together. The two kept their personal lives pretty private, focusing instead on creative projects and supporting each other’s careers. While they didn’t share much with the public, it’s clear their relationship centered around their strong connection and working together both personally and professionally.
Jeff Baena, born and raised in Miami, discovered his love for film early on. He headed to NYU to sharpen his skills and later moved to LA to kickstart his career. His big break came in 2004 with ‘I Heart Huckabees,’ where his quirky storytelling brought together stars like Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, and Naomi Watts.
Fast forward a few years, and Baena teamed up with Aubrey Plaza for his 2014 directorial debut, ‘Life After Beth’—a unique zombie comedy that not only showcased their creative chemistry but also set the stage for more collaborations.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Dated for 10 Years Before Their Quiet 2021 Wedding
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena first crossed paths in 2011 during a game of Balderdash—a moment that seemed pretty ordinary but ended up sparking something big. Back then, Plaza had just come out of a relationship with Michael Cera, where they’d even joked about eloping in Vegas. Things with Baena, though, were way more low-key and private. Even though they kept their connection out of the spotlight, it showed in their work together, like the 2017 medieval comedy ‘The Little Hours,’ which highlighted Plaza’s skills as both an actress and producer.
One thing that really stood out about their relationship was how well they balanced their personal and professional lives. They worked together a lot on films—Plaza starred in many of Baena’s projects—but they still managed to keep their own creative styles. Baena described his filmmaking process as pretty “insulated,” relying more on his own ideas than group input. Plaza totally respected that, but she still played a big part in shaping characters and stories, bringing her own energy to their projects.
Despite their deeply private nature, you’d catch glimpses of their softer side now and then. Like on Valentine’s Day 2020, when Plaza shared a funny Instagram post of her holding a dagger at Baena—it was so them, playful but sweet. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she also opened up a bit about their time together. They really clicked, working on the anthology series ‘Cinema Toast,’ and made the best of being cooped up at home. Plaza even joked about their place turning into a mini post-production studio while still feeling cozy and full of love.
By 2019, Aubrey Plaza shared that their relationship was all about keeping things fresh and balanced. She talked about how being with someone in the same industry had its perks since they easily got each other’s careers. Spending time apart for their own projects, she said, actually made their connection stronger and more exciting. It painted a picture of a couple who truly respected and admired each other, making their relationship both deep and dynamic.
Their marriage was a significant milestone, but they kept it low-key, as usual. In a chill Instagram post from May 2021, Plaza casually called Baena her “darling husband,” sharing the news about their quiet 2021 wedding. It was totally in line with their vibe—private but still letting the world in on their love in small, heartfelt ways.
True story: Aubrey Plaza spontaneously got married by a one hour wedding website. @evilhag pic.twitter.com/8shsUb0p4i
— The Ellen Show (@EllenDeGeneres) December 16, 2021
Throughout their relationship, Plaza had been open about the ups and downs of long-term partnerships, calling them full of “peaks and valleys.” She’s also shared how she and Baena tackle challenges with humor and grace, leaving no shortage of effort to show her fans just how strong their bond really is.
Baena’s influence on Plaza went way beyond just their personal connection. As a filmmaker, he gave her the chance to dive into challenging and unique roles, helping boost her career. On the flip side, her charisma and talent brought his projects to life, making their artistic partnership a total win-win. They pushed each other to take creative risks, including Plaza’s directorial debut under Baena’s series ‘Cinema Toast.’
Jeff Baena, writer and director who was married to Aubrey Plaza, has died by suicide, @TMZ reports. He was 47. pic.twitter.com/JNyLzYe76t
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 4, 2025
Jeff Baena’s unexpected passing in early 2025 was a heartbreaking loss for Aubrey Plaza and everyone who admired their relationship. His impact on her life and career is impossible to ignore, seen in the films they made together and the deep love and respect that defined their partnership. For Plaza, this tragedy leaves an undeniable void, but it also highlights the incredible journey they shared—one filled with creativity, mutual respect, and a connection that went beyond the ordinary.
