Celebrated indie filmmaker Jeff Baena dead at the age of 47

Los Angeles, California - Director and screenwriter Jeff Baena was found dead in his house on Friday. The 47-year-old brought his wife actor Aubrey Plaza in front of the camera several times for his films.

Director and screenwriter Jeff Baena was found dead in his house on Friday at the age of 47.
Director and screenwriter Jeff Baena was found dead in his house on Friday at the age of 47.  © Rich Polk / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

A spokesperson for the filmmaker and the Los Angeles County coroner's office confirmed his death and a spokeswoman for Plaza referred to a corresponding report by Deadline.

According to the LA coroner's office, Baena was found dead in a house on Friday.

The cause of death is reportedly suicide.

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40-year-old Plaza (Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus) and Baena got married in 2021 after a ten-year relationship.

Plaza starred in Baena's films Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017), and Spin Me Round (2022), among others.

Jeff Baena (l.) brought his wife actor Aubrey Plaza (r.) in front of the camera several times for his films.
Jeff Baena (l.) brought his wife actor Aubrey Plaza (r.) in front of the camera several times for his films.  © MARK DAVIS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Together with director David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle), he wrote the script for the biting comedy I Heart Huckabees (2004) about the search for meaning and life crises, which was filmed with Dustin Hoffman, Jude Law, Jason Schwartzman, Isabelle Huppert, and Lily Tomlin.

If you or someone you know need help, please contact the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling or texting 988 for free and confidential support. You can also text "HOME" to 741741 anytime for the Crisis Text Line and access to live, trained crisis counselors.

Cover photo: Rich Polk / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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