Aubrey Plaza breaks silence after death of husband Jeff Baena

A heartbroken Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time since the shock death of her husband Jeff Baena.

The 47-year-old writer and director was found dead by his assistant after taking his own life at the couple’s Los Angeles home on Friday.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time,” a public statement issued on behalf of Plaza and Baena’s family read.

Plaza had been due to be a presenter at the Golden Globes on Monday but cancelled the appearance immediately after the tragedy.

At the ceremony Brady Corbet, director of best picture winner The Brutalist, offered a poignant message to Plaza and Baena’s family.

“Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family, good night,” said after winning the award for best director.

Baena is best known for his films I Heart Huckabee’s, Life After Beth, Little Hours and Horse Girl.

He and Plaza started dating in 2011 after her rise to fame in the hit sitcom Parks and Recreation.

Plaza was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2023 for her role in the second series of HBO dark comedy White Lotus and is also known for Disney+ series Agatha All Along.

She has also starred in hit films including Megalopolis, My Old Ass, Ingrid Goes West, Dirty Grandpa and Emily The Criminal.

Despite never announcing their engagement or sharing news of a wedding, the Plaza and Baena secretly tied the knot.

In an Instagram post in 2021, Plaza first referred to Baena as her “darling husband”.

“So proud of my darling husband Jeff Baena for dreaming up another film that takes us to Italia to cause some more trouble,” the post read.

A spokesperson for the pair later confirmed to People Magazine that Plaza and Baena had married.

Plaza later revealed on Ellen Degeneres’ talk show Ellen that the couple got married through an online marriage service offering one hour marriages.

Plaza’s celebrity friends have been among the many offering their condolences on social media.

Alongside one of Plaza’s recent Instagram posts Selma Blair wrote, “No words can touch this painful time . Only love and strength and support from everyone . I am so sorry.”

“Sending you so much love,” Julia Fox wrote.

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