The world of entertainment got a jolt on 3rd January when famous writer-cum-director Jeff Baena breathed his last at 47 years of age. Baena is one of the most recognizable faces in the zombie comedy “Life After Beth” and the anthology series “Cinema Toast”, which aired on Showtime. News of his death by suicide has caused an irreparable dent among fans, friends, and family alike.
His wife, Aubrey Plaza-an old collaborator and life partner-already said in a statement that it has been “an unimaginable tragedy.” She thanked the people for reaching out during difficult times, appealing to respect their desire to allow her family to have their privacy.
A Love-Created Relationship
That includes Plaza and Baena’s support for each other in personal and professional respects throughout their 13-year-long relationship. Having started dating in 2011, Plaza and Baena often collaborated on different creative projects. As time went on, finding themselves involved with a number of films and series where both their talents could shine, this bond became even stronger.
It wasn’t until 2021 that Plaza let her fans in on her marriage, referring to Baena as her “darling husband.” The couple shared mutual respect and a love to tell stories. Plaza once sat for an interview where she reflected on her relationship with Baena and said that he and she were able to achieve a good balance in being independent, yet sharing moments with each other, courtesy of their careers.
A cry for action into mental health awareness, Baena’s sudden death sent shockwaves, an on-and-on cacophony drumming in the importance of mental health. It willed a few in the entertainment business to raise their voices-to make mental health resources accessible, to remove stigma associated with mental health battles.
The people in any crisis, as well as those who might have thoughts of self-harm, are cordially invited to avail of all resources and help from 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
With his life sadly cut short, fortunately his body of work lives on to inspire and delight audiences around the world as friends, fans, and colleagues of Baena unite to remember the work he gave to film and television. And his legacy would undeniably remain a visionary and creative force.
Meanwhile, the family has asked everybody to speak lovingly of Aubrey Plaza while she moves closer to this tragedy, deal with her loss. Incidents like these remind one of how promptly one should listen to their silence and stand by in support of people amidst such silence.
