Aubrey Plaza’s world was shattered on Friday when her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, was found dead at the age of 47 in their Los Angeles home.
The sudden passing has left many in shock, and the actress, known for her role in The White Lotus, has yet to publicly comment on the heartbreaking loss.
A Love That Flourished in the Spotlight and Behind Closed Doors
Though Aubrey and Jeff were famously private about their relationship, they occasionally shared glimpses of their love story.
The couple had been together since 2011 and often worked on creative projects together.
They were known for collaborating on films such as Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022).
Their shared profession helped deepen their bond, with Aubrey once sharing how being in the same field gave them a unique understanding of each other’s work and struggles.
While they often thrived in collaboration, Aubrey acknowledged that working with a partner could be challenging.
She revealed that finding balance was key, especially with their busy careers.
Despite the ups and downs, they managed to make it work, even when navigating complicated power dynamics in their professional life.
Their Spontaneous, Low-Key Wedding: A Private Affair Amidst the Pandemic
In 2021, Aubrey made headlines when she revealed that she and Jeff had secretly married during a casual backyard ceremony.
The wedding, which took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, was an unexpected and spontaneous decision.
What started as a playful conversation on their 10-year anniversary turned into a simple ceremony held in their yard, where they exchanged vows in homemade tie-dye pajamas.
Aubrey even enlisted the help of their neighbor, a self-proclaimed “real-life witch,” to bless their union.
Though the wedding was informal, it held deep personal meaning for the couple.
However, shortly after, Aubrey shared that Jeff had received death threats from members of the LGBTQ+ community over their marriage. This shocking revelation highlighted the intense reactions their love had provoked.
Facing Challenges and ‘Rough Patches’ Together
Aubrey has always been open about the challenges in her relationship.
She has admitted that, like any couple, they went through “rough patches,” sometimes struggling with comparing their relationship to the seemingly perfect lives of other couples.
Despite these difficulties, they continued to support each other.
In 2022, Aubrey spoke about her desire to have children, but the state of the world during the pandemic led them to postpone the idea.
She later acknowledged the natural ups and downs in a long-term relationship, sharing that being with someone for over a decade inevitably brings moments of doubt and difficulty.
But through it all, they stuck together.
Jeff’s Sudden Passing: A Devastating Blow
On Friday morning, tragedy struck when Jeff’s body was found by an assistant at their Los Feliz home.
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the death, stating that he was pronounced dead at the scene. At 47, Jeff’s untimely passing has left those close to him in deep sorrow.
The family has asked for privacy during this painful time as they process their loss.
Though Aubrey has not publicly commented, the grief surrounding Jeff’s passing is palpable.
He is survived by his wife, his mother Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, and his step-siblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
In the wake of this tragic event, those who knew Jeff remember him not just as a filmmaker but as a loving husband, friend, and family member.
His death leaves a profound impact on all who were fortunate to know him.