Aubrey Plaza has spoken out for the first time following the death of her husband, Jeff Baya, a beloved screenwriter and frequent collaborator, who passed away at the age of 47. In a statement released on January 6, 2025, Plaza described the loss as an “unimaginable tragedy” and expressed her deep gratitude to those who have offered support during this difficult time. She also asked for privacy, saying, “Please respect our privacy during this time.”
According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s records, which were reviewed by E! News, Baya died by suicide on January 3. At the time of his death, Plaza had been scheduled to present at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards on January 5, but she did not appear in the wake of her husband’s passing.
During the Golden Globe ceremony, many in the entertainment industry paid tribute to Baya. Best Director winner Brady Corbet dedicated part of his acceptance speech to Plaza and Baya’s family, saying, “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.” In addition, actor Adam P, who worked with Baya on films such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Joshy, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. He described Baya as a “sweet Jewish boy from Miami” and a “mentor” who was also the “scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw.” Adam continued, “My heartbreaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baya family, and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit. Thanks for believing in me, Jeff. May your memory be a blessing.”
The tragic loss of Jeff Baya has left many in the industry grieving, while also celebrating the legacy of a talented writer and collaborator.
Aubrey Plaza Breaks Her Silence Following Husband Jeff Baena’s Death: “Unimaginable Tragedy”
Aubrey Plaza has spoken out for the first time since the death of her husband, renowned screenwriter Jeff Baena, who passed away at the age of 47. In a statement released on January 6, 2025, Plaza described his death as an “unimaginable tragedy” and thanked those who have offered support during this devastating time. She also requested privacy, asking, “Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Baena, who was also Plaza’s frequent collaborator, died by suicide on January 3, according to records from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner. The news came as a shock to those who knew him, as the couple had been married for five years.
Plaza was originally scheduled to present at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards on January 5, but she did not appear following the tragic loss. During the ceremony, several of Baena’s peers paid tribute to him. Best Director winner Brady Corbet dedicated part of his acceptance speech to Plaza and Baena’s family, saying, “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”
Actor Adam P, who worked with Baena on films such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Joshy, shared a moving tribute to his late friend on Instagram. He described Baena as a “sweet Jewish boy from Miami,” who was not only a collaborator and mentor but also “the scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw.” He continued, “My heartbreaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family, and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit. Thanks for believing in me, Jeff. May your memory be a blessing.”
The passing of Jeff Baena has left a profound impact on the entertainment industry, as many remember him not only for his work but also for the warmth he brought to those around him.
