Collaborators and friends alike are paying tribute to Jeff Baena, the independent filmmaker who died at age 47 over the weekend as a result of suicide. Baena, best known for rich, dark comedies like… Small watches and Life after homeboth starring his wife and frequent creative partner Aubrey Plaza, and was mourned by Alison Brie, Adam Pally, Molly Shannon, and many more.
On her Instagram Story, Brie — who worked with Baena on the 2020 Netflix project — shows off Horse girl And IFC Movie Pictures for 2022 Spin me round – She posted a series of photos of herself and the late writer/director, accompanied by a broken red heart. The photos ranged from behind-the-scenes photos and photo shoots to their Sundance Film Festival debut Horse girl And what appears to be on location filming a movie in Italy (both Small watches and Spin me round Shoot there.) She added: “Rest in peace, my friend.”
Brie also reposted Paley's dedication: “Jeff Baena was a nice Jewish kid from Miami,” Paley began. “He was a collaborator, a mentor, and the roughest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot I've ever seen. He was a gifted director with impeccable taste and vision, a connector of people, an odds enhancer, and the guy who knew where the best restaurant was no matter where you were.” “A very gracious host with an almost annoying open-door policy, a cinematic encyclopedia, and most importantly, a friend.”
Bali, who produced and starred in the 2016 drama Baena JoshiHe continued: “As a director Jeff strove for truth. Nothing could look, sound or feel inauthentic, and this is a direct representation of who Jeff was. Authentic. You never had to worry that Jeff didn't tell you the way it was. Because Jeff's virtue was telling you the way it was.” Which it was.
In closing, Paley said, “His heart goes out to my friend Aubrey, the Baena family, and all of us who spent time on the sets, in his home, or in his orbit.” “Thank you for believing in me Jeff, may your memory be a blessing,” he wrote.
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Shannon also shared a series of photos with Baena, including dinners and cast gatherings Spin me roundThe film stars: Aiden Mayeri, Ben Sinclair, Alessandro Nivola, Tricia Helfer, Debby Ryan, Tim Heidecker, Zach Woods, Lauren Weidman and Fred Armisen, in addition to Brie and Plaza.
Weidman posted a photo of the author, writing that she was “considering not posting or publishing about the suicide or posting the photos he has taken over the years and shared with me,” including people he collected or screenshots of “[David] Trivia that will prove to Bowie that he always knew more about Bowie than I did.
The comedian and actress continued: “I didn't have anyone I hung out with who was obsessed with movies and music… mostly Bowie like Jeff. I worked with some amazing actors and shot a couple of movies in Italy and I felt like I had a community in LA during his game nights. It was He knew exactly how to bring people together, make art, and create a real community. I felt lucky to know him and have him as a friend.”
Having first worked with Baena Joshithe Hacks The actress said the director promised “that I would be in every movie he directed and it was true. I was hoping for more but that's what we got. Thank you, Jeff. God I'm going to miss you.”
Heidecker reposted Shannon's dedication, sharing more photos of the cast Spin me round It was filmed on location for approximately four weeks near Pisa, Italy. “I love you @jeffbaena and I'm so proud to be a small part of your creative world,” he wrote.
Naturally, Plaza's social media has since been filled with messages of love and condolences. Among those who wished support were actress and producer Selma Blair and Julia Fox. “No words can touch this painful time. Only love, strength and support from everyone. I'm so sorry,” the former wrote in Plaza's last Instagram post. “Sending you lots of love,” the latter said, alongside a dove emoji.
Suicide can be prevented and support can be obtained A list of helplines is here, and information about suicide prevention from the National Institute of Mental Health can be found here. For additional support, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 800-273-8255 or chat with the Lifeline via text.
