Aubrey Plaza has released a statement after the death of her husband, Jeff Baena, who was found at his Los Angeles home on Friday after taking his own life.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the actor and Baena’s family said in a joint statement shared with media on Monday. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
The 47-year-old writer and director was best known for his work on comedies including co-writing 2004’s I Heart Huckabees, and directing 2014’s Life After Beth and 2017’s The Little Hours, both of which starred Plaza. The two started dating in 2011 and married a decade later in 2021 to celebrate their anniversary.
Plaza, who broke through with her recurring role on the television show Parks and Recreation, won acclaim for her performance in season two of The White Lotus and the film My Old Ass. She also appeared in Baena’s latest film, 2022’s Spin Me Round.
Before her husband’s death, Plaza had been scheduled to present an award at Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony.
During his acceptance speech for best director, The Brutalist director, Brady Corbet, paid tribute to Baena, saying: “Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
