Aubrey Plaza: All About Her Relationship with Jeff Baena and Her First Public Outing After Husbands Death

Aubrey Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and Emily the Criminal, captivated audiences with her sharp wit and captivating performances and her long-term relationship with filmmaker Jeff Baena. Their relationship, marked by collaboration and a deep personal connection, became one of Hollywood’s most endearing love stories—until it took a tragic turn in January 2025.

How Did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Meet?

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena.
Source: Diego Corredor/InStar

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s romance began in 2011, when they first met during a game of Balderdash. Both were already established in their respective careers—Plaza was rising to fame with Parks and Recreation, while Baena was known for his directorial work. Despite their burgeoning professional lives, the two quickly bonded over their mutual love for movies.

“We’re so obsessed with movies,” Plaza shared in a 2017 interview. “That’s why we’re making movies together.”

Their shared passion for storytelling laid the foundation for a relationship that would not only span over a decade but would also see them collaborating professionally. Their chemistry translated to the big screen when Baena made his directorial debut with Life After Beth in 2014, a film where Plaza starred, marking the beginning of their professional partnership.

A Quiet but Deep Connection

In the years that followed, Plaza and Baena kept their personal life largely out of the public eye, though they did occasionally offer glimpses of their relationship. By 2019, Plaza acknowledged that being with someone in the same field had its benefits.

“I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level,” Plaza said. “So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we’re both on.”

Despite the pressures of their careers, the couple worked hard to balance their personal and professional lives. “There’s a lot of things we do separately,” Plaza noted, acknowledging the importance of personal space even in a relationship so intertwined with their careers.

When Did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena Get Married?

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena got married in a secret wedding in 2021.
Source: Mark Davis/Getty Images

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena tied the knot in May 2021, after a decade of being together. The news came as a pleasant surprise to their fans, with Plaza referring to Baena as her “darling husband” in a post on social media. The couple had built a life together, and Plaza often expressed her pride in their shared accomplishments, including their work on films like Spin Me Round and The Little Hours.

In an Instagram post celebrating their marriage, Plaza wrote, “So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to Italia to cause some more trouble.” The couple’s bond was not only personal but also deeply creative, allowing them to thrive in both their relationship and careers.

The Tragic Turn: Separation and Baena’s Death

However, the couple’s relationship would face its greatest challenge in 2024. Plaza and Baena quietly separated in September of that year, with Plaza moving to New York while Baena remained in Los Angeles. Despite the physical distance, they remained in contact, and a medical examiner’s report revealed that they had even spoken on the night before Baena’s death.

The report indicated that Baena had made “concerning remarks” to Plaza, prompting her to ask a friend to perform a welfare check on him. Baena had been seeking therapy following these events, but tragically, he died by suicide on January 3, 2025.

The revelation of his death sent shockwaves through both their personal and professional circles. In a joint statement with Baena’s family, Plaza described the loss as an “unimaginable tragedy.” The statement also thanked fans and supporters for their kindness, while requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Aubrey Plaza’s First Public Outing After Baena’s Passing

Aubrey Plaza caught up with a friend and collaborator, her Emily The Criminal producer Tyler Davidson, on a walk in LA’s iconic Griffith Park on Monday.
Source: Terma, Sl/Backgrid

In the weeks following Baena’s death, Plaza kept a low profile, understandably struggling with the loss of her husband. However, on March 24, 2025, she was spotted in Griffith Park in Los Angeles with friend and film producer Tyler Davidson, a longtime collaborator on Emily the Criminal. Plaza appeared calm and composed, though sources described her as looking “somber” during the outing.

Plaza’s walk with Davidson marked her first public appearance since the medical examiner’s report on Baena’s death was released, providing more insight into the events leading up to the filmmaker’s passing.

A Tribute to Baena’s Legacy

In the wake of Baena’s tragic death, his family honored his life and work in a heartfelt obituary. The tribute described Baena as a “true relationship builder” who was deeply respected in the indie film world. His passion for independent filmmaking was clear through his works, including Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Cinema Toast, which aired on Showtime in 2021. His ability to blend intellect and creativity in his films challenged viewers and solidified his place as a distinctive voice in cinema.

Baena’s family also highlighted his skill in bringing people together. “No one ever left his get-togethers as a stranger,” the memorial read, further cementing his legacy as someone who cherished relationships, both personal and professional.

FAQs

How did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena meet? Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena met in 2011 during a game of Balderdash. They bonded over their shared love of movies, which eventually led to both a personal and professional relationship.

When did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena get married? The couple got married in May 2021, after a decade-long relationship.

How did Jeff Baena die? Jeff Baena tragically died by suicide on January 3, 2025. He had been separated from Plaza for several months before his death, and the two had remained in contact after the breakup.

What was Jeff Baena’s legacy? Baena was a respected filmmaker known for his indie projects such as Life After Beth and Cinema Toast. He was praised for his ability to blend intellect and creativity and for fostering a sense of community in both his work and personal life.

Is Aubrey Plaza dating anyone after Jeff Baena’s death? Following Baena’s death, Aubrey Plaza has kept a low profile, though she was spotted out with her friend Tyler Davidson in March 2025. There has been no indication of a romantic relationship since Baena’s passing.