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Filmmaker Jeff Baena, known for his distinctive storytelling and collaborations with his wife, actor Aubrey Plaza, passed away at the age of 47. His body was discovered on Friday at a residence in Los Angeles, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. While the cause of death was not immediately disclosed, authorities mentioned that investigations were ongoing.
Born and raised in Miami, Jeff was the son of an attorney and a teacher. He developed a passion for cinema at a young age after watching influential films like A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick and 8½ by Federico Fellini. After completing high school, Jeff attended New York University’s film school before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Jeff began his journey in Hollywood by co-writing I Heart Huckabees (2004), a film directed by David O. Russell that blended existential questions with humor. He later transitioned into directing and made his debut with Life After Beth in 2014, a zombie comedy starring Aubrey Plaza. The film marked the beginning of a strong creative partnership between Jeff and Aubrey, who went on to appear in several of his movies.
In a 2017 interview, Jeff expressed gratitude for being able to collaborate with Aubrey, calling it a rare and fulfilling experience. The couple, who started dating three years before Life After Beth was released, eventually tied the knot in 2021.
Jeff directed several notable films, including Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022). His work often featured dark humor, existential themes, and quirky narratives. Many of his films premiered at prestigious festivals such as Sundance and South by Southwest and were distributed by major platforms like Netflix, IFC, and Lionsgate.
Jeff leaves behind his wife, Aubrey Plaza, his mother Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena, stepmother Michele Baena, and stepsiblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
His death marks a significant loss to the independent film community, and his creative vision will be remembered through the unique stories he brought to life on screen.
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