Indie screenwriter and director Jeff Baena has died at the age of 47. A spokesperson for Baena’s wife, “Parks and Rec” star Aubrey Plaza, told CBS News of Baena’s death on Deadline.
His death on January 3 was confirmed to CBS News by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, which reported that Baena committed suicide.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone for their support. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time,” Plaza and Baena’s families said in a statement released Monday.
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According to his IMDB page, Baena is best known for co-writing the 2014 comedy “Life After Beth,” which starred Plaza, and 2004’s “I Heart Huckabees.” He most recently created, wrote, directed and executive produced Showtime’s 2021 series “Cinema Toast” and wrote, directed and produced the 2022 film “Spin Me Round.”
Baena and Plaza, 40, will marry in 2021. The two frequently collaborated on his projects. Plaza opened up about the wedding on ‘The Ellen Show’, describing the ceremony as an impromptu event held in her backyard while sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plaza announced that the wedding was held to commemorate the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.
“I just said, ‘It’s our 10th anniversary, so we should do something, buy an ice cream cone, do something special.’ Then I joked about getting married and he said, ‘Well, we probably couldn’t get married.’ That’s so fast.” She said, “…’Wouldn’t it be nice to get married on our actual anniversary? Then I googled it and found OneHourMarriage.com and called around 5pm and asked, ‘Do you want to come? ‘Will you marry me in my yard in an hour?’”
According to Deadline, he is survived by Plaza, his mother Barbara Stern, his stepfather Roger Stern, his father Scott Baena, his stepmother Michele Baena, his brother Brad Baena, and step-siblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide; 988 Suicide and crisis lifeline Call or text 988. Chat with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information about Mental health care resources and supportThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET, by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or emailing info@nami.org You can do it.
