Jeff Baena’s obituary released after his passing | Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Baena | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip

An obituary has been published after the death of Jeff Baena.

The screenwriter and director who was married to an actress Aubrey Plazadied by suicide earlier this month on January 3rd. He was 47 years old.

The Miami Herald has now published an obituary memorial Jeff.

Continue reading to find out more…“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Jeff Baena, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many.” wrote the obit. “Jeff left us too soon, but despite his woefully short life, he left us with treasured memories of a gifted filmmaker, as well as a very special person on so many different levels.”

“Jeff was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He attended Killian High School in Kendall, Florida. He graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 1999. After graduation, Jeff moved to Los Angeles to write and direct films. He began as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis, then became an assistant editor for writer-director David O. Russell, with whom he collaborated I Heart Huckabeesand uncredited revisions to Meet the Fockers. As of 2004, Jeff routinely received credit for writing and directing the films he was associated with; however, sometimes he cooperated with others.”

“Jeff fell in love with movies at 11 when he saw A Clockwork Orange and Felinis 8 1/2elements of which influenced his own films decades later. His work is testimony to his sharp intellect. Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance between the logical and the improbable. His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his unchanging distaste for institutional safeguards on creativity. Those who worked with him praise his vision, taste, technical competence and ability to assemble actors into an ensemble that performs in perfect harmony. There was always a family atmosphere. He loved nature and highlighted it biographically-graphically in his films whenever and wherever possible.”

“Jeff’s work includes: I Heart Huckabees which was nominated for 2004 Gotham Award for best function; Life after Beth which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2014where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize; Joshy which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2016 and was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize; The small hours which was nominated for the Audience Award at 2017 Edinburgh International Film Festival; Horse girl which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2020; and, Spin me round which premiered at 2022 South by Southwest Film Festival. Jeff’s wife, Aubrey Plaza, appeared in most of his films.”

“On television, Jeff created, wrote, directed and produced the Showtime series, Cinema Toastto fill the void left by the suspension of film production during the COVID lockdown.”

“As much as anything, Jeff loved the company of his friends, some from as far back as elementary school, and he was often the organizer of game nights, poker nights, pool parties, basketball games and get-togethers. Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off the film set. His magic sauce ensured that everyone had a good time and that no one ever left his gatherings as a stranger.”

“When he was a boy, Jeff loved to read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ironically, the little prince exclaims in it: “I don’t have much time. I have friends to make and so many things to learn.” And so it was for Jeff.”

“Jeff is survived by his wife, Aubrey Plaza; parents, Barbara Stern (Roger) and Scott Baena (Michele); brother, Brad (Ivette); stepsister Bianca Gabay (Maurice); stepbrother Jed Fluxman(Nicole); nephews Jake Baena and Leo Fluxman; nieces Brielle Baena, Ava and Olivia Gabay. Jeff joins his beloved Stevie.”

“We will always love and deeply miss Jeff. His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had so much more to offer. Alas, all that is gone. Sweet dreams, our little prince.”

Aubrey40 and Jeff‘s family recently released a statement following his tragic passing.

Our continued thoughts are with everyone Jeff Baenaloved ones during this difficult time.