By Charles Switzer
4:19am PST, Jan 8, 2025
A Creative Bond Shattered
Aubrey Plaza, 40, of Parks and Recreation fame, and indie filmmaker Jeff Baena, shared a love story filled with both romance and creative collaboration. Tragically, their 13-year relationship came to an end on January 3 when Baena died by suicide at the age of 47.
As the world mourns the loss of a talented director, here's an intimate look at their partnership, from their early sparks to their creative triumphs and the heartbreaking conclusion that left Hollywood reeling.
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A Beginning Built on 'Mutual Understanding'
Plaza and Baena's story began in 2011 when fate brought them together in the vibrant world of indie filmmaking. Plaza, known for her quirky humor and sharp wit, was drawn to Baena's creative mind and passion for storytelling.
Their shared love of cinema quickly blossomed into a romantic connection, and it wasn't long before they began blending their personal and professional lives.
NYU Grad to Visionary Director
After earning his degree from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Baena moved to Los Angeles to carve out a space in the film industry. He honed his craft working alongside powerhouses like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell, contributing to projects like I Heart Huckabees and Meet the Fockers in 2004.
A 'Nervous' But 'Great' Working Dynamic
The duo's relationship was a blend of personal affection and creative synergy. Plaza frequently starred in Baena's films, including the 2014 zombie comedy Life After Beth and the 2017 medieval romp The Little Hours.
Their collaborations showcased a seamless melding of their talents, with Plaza once noting that working together allowed them to "support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we're both on."
'Life After Beth'
Life After Beth brought the semi-private stars a romantic/working partnership that hasn't always clicked with famous couples. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman after Eyes Wide Shut anyone? However, Baena and Plaza found a great way around the on-screen/off-screen curse.
"And Jeff is not the kind of person — he doesn't like talking about work, we don't talk about work that much," the sitcom supporting player told Vulture in 2014.
'We're Either Going to Break Up or Stay Together Forever'
"I was like, we're either going to break up or stay together forever," she told the outlet. "It was great, he's a great director and that didn't surprise me either because his brain is operating on another level — he's too smart and he's got so many opinions and he's a very confident person that always knows what he wants."
'The Little Hours'
On 2017's The Little Hours, Plaza and Baena's working dynamic showcased their unique blend of personal and professional collaboration, with Plaza sharing, "I've worked with Jeff since his first movie. I've seen him evolve and I've seen him grow. It's a really special dynamic that we have. It's challenging at times, but it's also really rewarding to do something together like this. I don't know what else to say."
Finding the 'Balance'
In a 2019 interview with People while promoting Child's Play, Plaza offered a rare glimpse into her relationship with Baena, explaining, "I think that when you're with someone that is in your field, they understand what you're dealing with on a deeper level. So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we're both on."
Wedding Bells Ring 'Privately'
In May 2021, Plaza subtly announced their marriage through an Instagram post, referring to Baena as her "darling husband." This revelation surprised fans, as the couple had maintained a low profile regarding their personal lives. A representative later confirmed the nuptials, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's more private pairs.
'Love,' 'Smoke' and Hawaiian Shirts
In true offbeat fashion, Plaza and Baena tied the knot in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, opting for an intimate and unconventional backyard ceremony.
The Parks and Recreation alum described the quirky setup on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, saying, "I created a very quick love altar in our yard. Facts of our love, little stones, smoke, fire. Things of that nature. Then the man from Alhambra showed up in a Hawaiian shirt with a briefcase [to perform the ceremony]. … I can't remember a lot of it, it was fuzzy. But I'm pretty sure it's legal."
Crazed Fans and Death Threats
Even with their love and devotion on full display, Plaza revealed that not all fans celebrated her union with the enigmatic filmmaker. Speaking to Cosmopolitan in 2022, she shared the startling backlash their marriage received. "Oh my god. Jeff got death threats in his DMs. People project so much stuff onto marriage, but it wasn't some big statement I'm trying to make where I want everybody to react to it."
Much of the uproar reportedly came from some of her bisexual fans, who lamented her shift from singlehood to married life, sparking an intense and, well, unexpected reaction online, to say the least.
COVID and Plaza in the Director's Chair
Their creative endeavors continued during the COVID-19 pandemic. While quarantined together, they developed the anthology series Cinema Toast, which aired on Showtime in 2021. This project marked Plaza's directorial debut, further exemplifying their collaborative spirit. Plaza described the experience as "very us," highlighting the unique dynamic they shared both personally and professionally.
Love and Imperfection
While chatting with GQ in 2022 about her role as Harper in The White Lotus, the Black Bear star gave a rare glimpse into her relationship with Baena. "I've been with my husband for 12 years," she shared, before candidly admitting, "I relate to being in a relationship that has peaks and valleys. Going through a rough patch and comparing yourself to a couple that seems perfect — that's something I understand all too well."
Plaza's honesty offered a refreshing look at the realities of long-term love, even for a Hollywood pair.
Tragedy Strikes
Tragically, their story came to an untimely end when Baena passed away on January 3. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging, leaving the entertainment industry and fans in mourning. Plaza and Baena's family released a statement expressing their grief, describing the loss as "an unimaginable tragedy" and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
A Legacy of Love and Creativity
Over their years together, Plaza and Baena embodied a partnership rooted in mutual respect, creative synergy and unwavering affection. While they kept much of their relationship private, their connection was evident through their shared artistic achievements and the profound bond they nurtured. Now, as Plaza faces this heartbreaking loss, the indelible mark of their love story and collaborative spirit will continue to resonate with those who admired their journey, both on and off the screen.
