Read Aubrey Plaza’s Obituary of Jeff Baena’s Late Husband

Aubrey Plaza and the family pays tribute Jeff Brothers.

“It is with deep sadness and grief that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Jeff Baena, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many,” said Baena’s obituary, which was published in Miami Heraldread. “Jeff left us far too soon, but despite his tragically too short life, he left us with precious memories of a gifted filmmaker as well as a very special person on so many different levels.”

While the obit praised Baena for his contributions to the entertainment industry, those close to him shared some insight into how he found his passion for film, which he “fell in love with” when he was “11 years old. A clockwork orange and Felini 8 1/2.”

“Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance between the logical and the improbable. His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his abiding distaste for institutional controls on creativity,” the message continued. “Those who have worked with him praise his vision, taste, technical prowess and ability to unite actors into a whole that plays in perfect harmony. There was always a family atmosphere. He loved nature and graphically emphasized it in his films whenever and wherever possible.”

Related: Actor Adam Pally ‘Heart Breaks’ for Aubrey Plaza After Husband Jeff Dies

Aubrey Plaza is in everyone’s thoughts as the cast pays tribute to her husband Jeff Baen following the director’s shocking death. Baena’s friend and longtime collaborator Adam Pally shared an emotional statement on Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 5, which read: “He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, bringing people together, (…)

Besides the work he did a lot with Plaza, Baena also “loved the company of his friends.”

“Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off set,” the obit said. “His magic sauce made sure everyone had fun and no one ever left his gatherings feeling like a stranger.”

Baena’s obituary also revealed that he also had a relationship with the novel, The little princeand included a touching quote from a popular children’s book.

“When Jeff was a boy, he loved to read The little prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In it, the Little Prince ironically exclaims, “I don’t have much time. I have friends to make and lots of things to learn.’ And so it was for Jeff,” the post read.

Baen is survived by Plaza, his parents, siblings, nephews and nieces.

“Jeff will always be loved and deeply missed,” the obit concluded. “His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had much more to offer. Alas, that’s all gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”

Related: Aubrey Plaza gave a glimpse into her marriage 3 months before her husband’s death

Aubrey Plaza was briefly married to husband Jeff Baena three months before his sudden and unexpected death. “I would stay away (from dating actors),” Plaza, 40, joked during a September 2024 appearance on Howard Stern’s show on SiriusXM. “I’m married to a writer/director. I’ve never really dated an actor (or) been with (…)

Baena died on January 3. He was 47 years old. According to medical examiner records reviewed My Weeklyan official of Baena cause of death it is listed as a suicide. After news broke of Baena’s departure, Rep. Plaza issued a statement on her behalf.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said Our read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”