The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that Jeff Baena, an independent filmmaker best known for co-writing I Heart Huckabees and directing Life After Beth, passed away on Friday.His age was 47.
Since 2021, Baena and actor Aubrey Plaza have been wed. Plaza starred in the 2014 movie Life After Beth, one of the several movies the couple worked on together.
According to the medical examiner’s reports, he committed suicide at home.
On behalf of the Baena-Stern family, Plaza stated in a statement on Monday, “This is an unfathomable tragedy.” “We sincerely appreciate all of the support that we have received. Please be considerate of our privacy at this time.
According to Deadline, Baena relocated to Los Angeles to further his career after graduating from the film school at New York University. Before switching to assistant editor, he was a production assistant. In that capacity, he collaborated with director David O. Russell, who also served as his co-writer and director of the 2004 dark comedy I Heart Huckabees, which starred Mark Wahlberg, Dustin Hoffman, and Lily Tomlin.
In a 2016 interview with Fast Company, Baena discussed how his co-writing relationship with Russell began after an accident left him with eye damage, notably corneal damage.
The discussion took off after Russell asked Baena what he thought of a concept that a production company had presented to him, according to Fast Company.
“He gave me the opportunity to support any ideas that went against his beliefs,” Baena told Fast Company. We shared similar interests, styles, and points of agreement. As a cowriter, he was truly a soul match.
In an interview with ISA Insider, Baena stated that he was drawn to irony in his writing and that comedies often have their own worlds.
Because, in my opinion, even the most serious situations can be humorous, and people typically use humor to deal with difficult situations, Baena told ISA Insider.
A homage to Baena was put on X by the Sundance Film Festival, which expressed “our heartfelt thanks to Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the lasting memories we’ve built together.”
“We will miss your humor, wit, and bold vision, Jeff. “Friend, may you rest in peace,” Sundance wrote.
On X, comedian and podcast host Marc Maron expressed his sadness for the untimely death of a genuine artist and kind man.
To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text or call 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org, if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis. For more assistance, go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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