Aubrey Plaza issues first statement since death of husband Jeff Baena

Filmmaker and writer Jeff Baena was pronounced dead on Friday at a home in Los Angeles, with medical examiners ruling that the 47-year-old had taken his own life.  

In a statement released to the media, his wife, Parks And Recreation star Aubrey Plaza said: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.” 

Baena, a director and screenwriter, worked with Plaza on 2014 horror sinema Life After Beth and 2017 historical comedy The Little Hours. He also co-wrote David O. Russell’s 2004 sinema I Heart Huckabees. 

His other directing credits include Horse Girl and Spin Me Round, a 2022 dark comedy that was to be his final feature.

Baena and Plaza had been in a relationship since 2011 and married in 2021. 

Plaza had been announced as a presenter at Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony. Director Brady Corbet, who won Best Director for his sinema The Brutalist, said in his acceptance speech: “My heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”