Trigger warning: Mention of suicide
Writer and director Jeff Baena has passed away at the age of 47.
TMZ first reported the news of his death on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 5:49 A.M. (Pacific time).
The report stated that police officers arrived at a residence in Los Angeles, California, on Friday, January 3, at approximately 10:30 A.M. to investigate the scene after Jeff was found dead by his assistant.
Regarding the cause of death, some news outlets mentioned that police records listed it as "deferred," indicating that no definitive conclusion had been reached as evaluations and tests are still being conducted.
However, later reports, including from TMZ and People, said that the Los Angeles Medical Examiner ruled Jeff's death as "suicide by hanging."
WHO IS JEFF BAENA?
Born on June 29, 1977, Jeff grew up in Miami to a Jewish family.
Like many others who want to work in the entertainment industry, Jeff relocated to Los Angeles where he worked as a production assistant and assistant editor, before dabbling into screenwriting.
His collaboration with writer and director David O. Russel produced the movies I Heart Huckabees and Meet the Fockers.
Jeff went on to helm more movies, including Life After Beth, Joshy, The Little Hours, Horse Girl, and Spin Me Round.
JEFF AND AUBREY PLAZA ROMANCE
Jeff and actress Aubrey Plaza began dating in 2011, keeping their relationship largely private to avoid public scrutiny.
The couple worked together on several film projects such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, Cinema Toast, and Spin Me Round.
In 2021, Aubrey revealed that she and Jeff had tied the knot in a private, spontaneous ceremony while wearing their pajamas.
The marriage happened on their tenth anniversary as lovers.
Aubrey later mentioned that Jeff got death threats from the LGBTQ+ community after learning of their marriage.
Aubrey admitted she was bisexual in an interview with The Advocate magazine in 2016.
"I fall in love with girls and guys. I can't help it," Aubrey said in the interview.
"I know I have an androgynous thing going on, and there's something masculine about my energy," she further mentioned.