Jeff Baena, known for “Life After Beth” and “I Heart Huckabees,” dies at 47

The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that Jeff Baena, an independent filmmaker best known for co-writing and directing “Life After Beth” and “I Heart Huckabees,” passed away on Friday. His age was 47.

Baena and actor Aubrey Plaza tied the knot in 2021. They collaborated on several films, such as “Life After Beth,” a 2014 release featuring Plaza.

According to Deadline, Baena relocated to Los Angeles to further his career after graduating from the film school at New York University. Before switching to the position of assistant editor, he was a production assistant. In this capacity, he collaborated with David O. Russell, Baena’s co-writer and director of the 2004 dark comedy “I Heart Huckabees,” which starred Mark Wahlberg, Dustin Hoffman, and Lily Tomlin.

In a 2016 interview with Fast Company, Baena discussed how his co-writing relationship with Russell began after an accident left him with eye damage, notably corneal damage.

The site claims that after Russell asked Baena his opinion on a proposal that a production company had presented to him, the discussion took off.

“He gave me the freedom to support any ideas that went against his beliefs,” Baena told Fast Company. We shared similar interests, styles, and points of agreement. As a cowriter, he was truly a soul match.

Baena revealed in an interview with ISA Insider that he found irony in his work and that comedy “tends to have worlds built within it.”

Baena told the publication, “I personally believe that humor can persist even in the most grave circumstances and that individuals often utilize humor to manage challenging circumstances.”

In an X homage to Baena, the Sundance Film Festival expressed “our heartfelt thanks to Jeff Baena for sharing his stories and contributing to the lasting memories we’ve built together.”

We will miss your humor, wit, and bold vision, Jeff. “Friend, may you rest in peace,” Sundance wrote.