Aubrey Plaza Opens Up On Grief After Husband Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. The two shared nearly 14 years together, balancing a low-key personal life with several professional collaborations.

Baena, known for films like Life After Beth and Spin Me Round, died by suicide on January 3, 2025, at the age of 47.

A relationship built on love and work

Plaza and Baena began dating in 2011. While they kept their romance mostly private, their creative work together gave fans glimpses of their bond.

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In 2014, Plaza starred in Life After Beth, which Baena directed. She also appeared in his later projects, including The Little Hours (2017) and Spin Me Round (2022). Plaza even took on the role of producer for some of his films.

Speaking to People in 2019, she said, “I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level.”

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In 2021, Plaza confirmed in an Instagram post that she and Baena had secretly tied the knot, calling him her husband. The announcement marked ten years into their relationship and a personal milestone for the couple.

Separation before tragedy

While their marriage appeared steady to the outside world, reports later revealed that Plaza and Baena had separated by September 2024. The split, however, was not made public before his death.

Baena died by suicide in January 2025, a devastating loss that Plaza chose not to speak about immediately.

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Aubrey Plaza on grief

In August 2025, eight months after his passing, Plaza opened up about her grief on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang.

“Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m OK, but it’s like a daily struggle, obviously,” Plaza shared. She described the weight of her emotions as a “giant ocean of awfulness.”

While Plaza continues to heal, her words reflect both resilience and the ongoing pain of losing someone who was such a central part of her life.