Aubrey Plaza recently shared rare insight into her marriage with writer-director Jeff Baena during a radio interview with Howard Stern. The actress spoke about relationships and friendships in the entertainment industry, noting that being married to a filmmaker rather than an actor was beneficial for her. Despite Stern’s questioning about her happiness, Plaza insisted that overall she was content. She explained that she is selective about friendships, maintaining relationships with longtime friends from high school while also making new connections in the industry. Plaza also discussed the challenges of being an actor, including manipulating emotions for roles, and the potential danger of feeling competitive in relationships with others in the same career.
Tragically, Baena was found dead at the age of 47 in their Los Angeles home just months after Plaza recorded the interview with Stern. He had a successful career in the film industry, working his way up after graduating from New York University with a film degree. Baena directed films such as “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” and also worked on projects like “I Heart Huckabees” and “Joshy.” He was known for his creative talents and collaborations with Plaza, including co-directing the Showtime series “Cinema Toast.” Baena and Plaza kept their relationship private, only revealing their marriage in 2021 after a decade of being together.
The news of Baena’s sudden death shocked fans and colleagues in the industry, with many expressing their condolences and memories of working with him. Plaza has remained silent about her husband’s passing, with her last Instagram post expressing her pride in his work and their partnership on a new film project. The couple had planned to collaborate on the 2022 film “Spin Me Round,” showcasing their shared love of creativity and storytelling. Baena is survived by his wife, his mother, stepfather, stepmother, brother, and step siblings, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievements and personal connections within the industry.
Plaza’s interview with Stern provided a glimpse into her personal life and the complexities of navigating relationships and emotions while working in Hollywood. She spoke candidly about her experiences as an actor, including the challenges of maintaining authenticity in her feelings and connections with others. Despite the pressures and demands of the industry, Plaza seemed to find comfort and stability in her marriage to Baena, noting that their creative partnership was a source of happiness and fulfillment for her. The sudden loss of her husband has undoubtedly left her grieving and reflecting on their time together, with many fans and colleagues offering their support and condolences during this difficult time.
Baena’s untimely death has left a void in the film industry, where he was respected and admired for his talent and dedication to his craft. His passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. Plaza’s final post with Baena captures their shared passion for filmmaking and adventure, highlighting the strength of their bond and the impact of their collaboration. As she processes her grief and memories of their life together, Plaza’s fans and colleagues continue to offer their support and remembrances of Baena’s contributions to the industry. His legacy as a filmmaker and creative partner to Plaza will endure, inspiring future generations of artists and storytellers to follow their passions and dreams.
