“I lost a dear friend” — Debby Ryan mourns Aubrey Plaza’s husband Jeff Baena on director’s 48th birthday

Debby Ryan honored what would have been Jeff Baena’s 48th birthday on June 29, with a touching tribute on Instagram. The post, which included a carousel of personal photos, gave fans a glimpse into her special friendship with Baena, the late husband of Aubrey Plaza.

Along with the photos, Ryan shared an emotional caption that said:

"Ok see at the beginning of the year, I lost a dear friend, cherished collaborator and mentor in Jeff Baena."

In her tribute, Debby Ryan began by wishing Baena a happy birthday, admitting that while she's not typically one to share her grief publicly, his memory has been with her constantly over the past six months.

Debby Ryan reflects on grief and friendship in her emotional post about Jeff Baena

In her tribute to Jeff Baena, Debby Ryan captured the emotional weight of the loss, revealing just how central the late director was to those around him. Her Instagram caption echoed the grief felt by those who knew him best. She wrote:

“It’s been very hard and heavy, and a lot of people lost him, because he was like the nucleus of this whole Jeff universe.”

Ryan also shared her evolving perspective on grief, describing it as a non-linear journey:

"I’ve discovered the stages of grief aren’t linear; they’re like space stations I’ve docked at, in between periods of floating. My hope is they eventually feel more like satellites — always orbiting, often in view, but not a place to live."

Reflecting on Baena’s personality, she added:

"But today on his birthday, I want you to know a few things about Jeff — he was generous. Warm while principled. Intentional with a casual lilt. Usually right about stuff we have no way of knowing about. Spirited in debate."

In her moving tribute, Debby Ryan detailed how Jeff Baena’s unwavering support gave her room to evolve, both on and off screen. Ryan wrote,

“He believed in me. I feel really proud to be able to say that.”

Their connection began when Baena cast her in Horse Girl, a film known for its improvisational approach. The experience pushed Debby Ryan outside her comfort zone, but she recalled how Baena never questioned her readiness.

“He somehow saw me, trusted me, and vouched for me from jump,” she shared.

He didn’t just open doors professionally, he brought her into a broader circle of creativity and friendship. Baena’s pandemic-era game nights became a grounding source of joy and community, and their families grew close. That closeness extended into new projects, new places, and the kind of personal growth Debby Ryan hadn’t expected.

Reflecting on that time, she wrote,

“Good collaboration gives you the chance to be the best evolution of yourself.”

Jeff Baena, director and Aubrey Plaza’s husband, was 47 when he passed away

Jeff Baena, director and screenwriter known for offbeat indie films, passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 47. As reported by Us Weekly, medical examiner documents listed his cause of death as suicide.

Baena had been in a relationship with Aubrey Plaza since 2011, and the two married in 2020. While they kept much of their personal life out of the public eye, Plaza briefly spoke about their marriage during a December 2021 segment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She said,

“Yes, we got married. Big deal, we got a little bored one night… Onehourmarriage.com. That’s real, look it up.”

Throughout their time together, Baena and Plaza often collaborated professionally. Their creative synergy was evident in films such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Spin Me Round.

According to a report shared by Us Weekly, Baena once reflected on the joy of working alongside his wife, saying:

“I’d be working with her if she wasn’t my wife, but luckily she is… [It’s] rare to do something creative together where we’re both fulfilled.”