Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza: A Relationship Timeline, Collaboration, and Tragic Loss

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s relationship, spanning over a decade, was a unique blend of love, laughter, and shared creative vision. From their initial meeting around 2011 to Baena’s tragic passing in 2025, their story is one of intertwined personal and professional lives, marked by both heartwarming collaboration and devastating loss.

Early Years and Artistic Sparks (2011-2013)

The exact circumstances of Plaza and Baena’s first meeting remain somewhat of a mystery, likely occurring around 2011. Perhaps they connected at an industry event, a film festival, or through mutual friends. What is evident is that their shared passion for offbeat humor and unconventional storytelling laid the groundwork for a deep and enduring connection. Those early years, before their collaborative projects took flight, likely saw their bond solidify, nurtured by a shared artistic sensibility and a mutual appreciation for the quirky and unconventional.

Collaborative Projects: A Shared Cinematic Vision (2014-2022)

Plaza and Baena’s relationship extended beyond the personal, blossoming into a fruitful creative partnership. Their collaborative projects offer a glimpse into their shared artistic vision, a world populated by darkly comedic characters and unconventional storylines.

Life After Beth (2014)

This zombie rom-com marked their first cinematic collaboration, with Baena writing and directing and Plaza starring as the titular Beth. The film’s quirky premise and Plaza’s deadpan delivery set the tone for their future projects, hinting at the unique blend of humor and pathos that would become their trademark.

Joshy (2016)

While not directly a Plaza-Baena project in the same vein as their other collaborations (Plaza appeared in a minor role, and Baena did not direct), Joshy still offers a glimpse into their shared comedic sensibilities and their connection to a circle of filmmakers who often worked together. It illustrates their continued involvement in projects that explored themes of friendship, love, and loss with a comedic lens. This connection could suggest that their collaborative dynamic extended beyond just the two of them, influencing a broader network of creative individuals.

The Little Hours (2017)

This medieval comedy, again written and directed by Baena with Plaza in a lead role, cemented their reputation for offbeat storytelling. The film’s irreverent humor and unconventional setting showcased their willingness to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations.

Horse Girl (2020)

This film marked a deeper level of collaboration, with Plaza not only starring but also co-writing the screenplay with Baena. The film’s exploration of mental health and surreal themes showcased a more introspective and emotionally nuanced side to their work. This suggests that as their relationship matured, so too did their willingness to explore more complex and personal themes in their films.

Spin Me Round (2022)

Their most recent collaboration, this culinary-themed thriller/comedy blends suspense with their signature quirky humor. Plaza’s performance, as in all their joint ventures, is a perfect complement to Baena’s directorial style. This suggests a continuing evolution of their artistic partnership and an ongoing exploration of new genres and narrative approaches.

Film Title	Year	Plaza’s Role	Baena’s Role
Life After Beth	2014	Beth Slocum	Writer, Director
Joshy	2016	Minor Role	–
The Little Hours	2017	Sister Fernanda	Writer, Director
Horse Girl	2020	Sarah, Co-Writer	Writer, Director
Spin Me Round	2022	Amber	Writer, Director

A Quiet Marriage and Private Lives (Pre-2021)

True to their private nature, Plaza and Baena’s marriage was a quiet affair. The news emerged subtly sometime before May 2021 when Plaza referred to Baena as her “husband” in a social media post. This understated approach to such a significant milestone speaks volumes about their preference for keeping their personal lives out of the public spotlight.

The Tragic Loss of Jeff Baena (2025)

The entertainment world mourned the loss of Jeff Baena on January 3, 2025, at the age of 47. He passed away at his Los Angeles home. While the official cause of death was not immediately released, later reports suggested it was suicide. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his passing but initially did not disclose specific details surrounding the circumstances.

People. (n.d.). Aubrey Plaza’s Husband, Jeff Baena, Dead at 47: ‘I’m Devastated’.

Legacy and Unanswered Questions

Jeff Baena’s legacy extends beyond his relationship with Aubrey Plaza. His unique directorial style and darkly comedic storytelling have left a lasting impact on independent cinema. His collaborations with Plaza stand as a testament to their shared creative vision and their ability to blend humor with pathos and the macabre. Plaza’s future projects will undoubtedly be viewed through the lens of this shared history, prompting questions of how Baena’s influence will continue to shape her artistic choices. The film community continues to grapple with the loss of a distinctive voice, leaving us to wonder what future cinematic gems their partnership might have produced.