Aubrey Plaza's Heartache: Last Text to Director Jeff Baena Before Tragic End

Content warning: This story discusses suicide.

Jeff Baena was in contact with his estranged wife Aubrey Plaza right to the end.

In September, following three years of marriage, there was a quiet separation between the couple. However, the actress from Parks and Recreation claimed she received a text message from Baena only three hours prior to his suicide in his LA home on January 3, as per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report obtained by TopMob News on March 19. Furthermore, it was stated in police documents that they had spoken over the phone the night before Baena’s tragic demise.

Furthermore, as stated in the medical examiner’s report, Plaza, aged 40, disclosed to investigators that the movie director had made unsettling comments a month after their split. This prompted the actress, who relocated to New York during their separation, to request a friend to carry out a wellness check on him. Subsequently, Baena, then 47 years old, started attending therapy following this incident, as mentioned in the report.

On the day of the director of the “Horse Girl” movie’s passing, his dog walker stumbled upon his body as planned, according to investigators. The dog walker mentioned that she heard loud music inside the house, which she considered uncommon, and found the body once she entered the residence, as stated in the medical examiner’s report.

TopMob News reached out to a rep for Plaza for comment but has not heard back.

Following Baena’s demise, Plaza (who started dating the filmmaker in 2011) and his family issued a heartfelt statement to TopMob News, describing his death as an “unbearable loss” or “a shocking turn of events.

We truly appreciate each person who’s extended their help to us,” the message went on. “Kindly grant us some space as we navigate through this period privately.

In a touching tribute, Baena’s family acknowledged his life and career by stating that his movies skillfully combined the rational with the unbelievable.

In a tribute first published by the Miami Herald in January, it was stated that his combination of intelligence and imagination left us in awe. They also mentioned that he preferred independent filmmaking due to his strong dislike for the restrictive guidelines imposed by institutions on creativity.”

“In their tribute, published in the Miami Herald in January, they highlighted how this individual’s blend of intellect and creativity left us spellbound. Moreover, it was noted that he turned to independent filmmaking due to his disdain for the creative constraints imposed by institutions.

The memorial described him as an exceptional “relationship facilitator,” highlighting his unique ability to connect people, and added that no attendee of his gatherings would depart as a stranger.

For a look back at Plaza and Baena’s relationship, keep reading.

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena didn’t reveal many details about their early stages of relationship, but they began dating in 2011 following an encounter during a round of Balderdash.

But one thing the Parks & Recreation star divulged is that from the start, they bonded over movies.

In 2017, she shared with Page Six that her and their collaborators have a deep passion for films. This is the reason behind them creating movies jointly.

Three years into our journey together, we embarked on our first cinematic collaboration – a film titled “Life After Beth”, which served as my inaugural directorial effort.

Although they usually preferred to keep their relationship private, Aubrey acknowledged that it comes with certain advantages when both partners are involved in the entertainment world.

She expressed to People in June 2019 that when you’re with someone who shares your profession, they can empathize more deeply with what you’re experiencing. This makes it easier for you to assist one another and truly grasp the path we’re both walking.

But that’s not to say it doesn’t take its own work.

The former Child’s Play actor commented, “I believe it could be fantastic,” but added, “You see, collaborating with a partner can sometimes be difficult. We often work independently, and I feel the key is striking a balance.

After ten years as a couple, Aubrey made it official with Jeff by getting married, which she announced on social media along with a special mention of him. Additionally, she hinted at the upcoming fourth film they’ll be working on called “Spin Me Round“.

I’m very proud of my dear husband, Jeff Baena, for coming up with another film that takes us to Italy and stirs up some more mischief,” she wrote in May. “Thrilled to be reunited with the fantastic Alison Brie (who also co-wrote this!) and The Official Superstar, Sordo Ciego, Lauren Weedman, and many other fun folks in this production. Get ready!

In all honesty, I’ve been utterly captivated by their cinematic journey together. Time and again, Jeff has proven to me that he’s not merely a spouse or filmmaker; he’s the ultimate supporter, the Number One fan she’s ever had.

On the Reel Talker podcast in 2022, he shared that she’s remarkable. He mentioned that if she wasn’t his wife, he would want to collaborate with her professionally, but fortunately, she is. He expressed the unique opportunity they have for a creative project where both of them find satisfaction.

13 years prior to Jeff’s unexpected passing at the age of 47, he and Aubrey collaborated on their fourth and last movie, titled “Spin Me Round.” Over the span of 14 years, they had also produced “The Little Hours” together, with Aubrey featuring in Jeff’s 2016 film called “Joshy.

2025-03-20 03:17

Aubrey Plaza’s Heartache: Last Text to Director Jeff Baena Before Tragic End

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