Adam Pally Breaks Silence On Friend Jeff Baena’s Tragic Passing

Adam Pally has shared an emotional tribute to his close friend and frequent collaborator, director Jeff Baena, following the filmmaker’s tragic death on January 4 at the age of 47.

Baena, who was married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was discovered by an assistant at a Los Angeles-area home on January 3. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner later ruled his death a suicide.

Pally worked closely with Baena on several of his most notable films, including “Life After Beth,” “Joshy,” and “The Little Hours.”

On January 5, Adam Pally took to Instagram to honor Jeff Baena, sharing a touching tribute that balanced humor, heartfelt memories, and deep admiration.

Remembering Baena, Pally described him as a “mentor” and “collaborator” but couldn’t resist adding a lighthearted jab, calling him “the scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw.”

In his tribute, Pally highlighted Baena’s many qualities beyond his directorial talent. “He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, he was a connector of people, a fosterer of possibility, the guy who knows where the best restaurant was no matter where you were,” he wrote.

Pally also reflected on Baena’s generosity, calling him “an overly gracious host with an almost disturbing open-door policy, a film encyclopedia, and most importantly to me, a friend.”

Their collaborations spanned nearly a decade, starting with “Life After Beth,” where Pally appeared alongside Plaza, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Matthew Gray Gubler, and John C. Reilly. He later took on a larger role in “Joshy,” serving as both an actor and a producer, before reuniting with Baena for “The Little Hours.”

Speaking about Baena’s approach to filmmaking, Pally praised his relentless pursuit of authenticity. “Jeff strove for truth. Nothing could sound, look, or feel inauthentic, which was a direct representation of who Jeff was. Authentic,” he said.

Pally emphasized that Baena’s honesty was one of his defining virtues. “You never worried that Jeff wasn’t telling you the way it is, because Jeff’s virtue was telling you the way it was.”

The actor concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message to Baena’s loved ones. “My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit. Thanks for believing in me, Jeff. May your memory be a blessing.”

The loss of Baena has left a profound void in the entertainment community. Known for his genre-defying storytelling and unwavering commitment to his craft, Baena’s legacy will live on through his films and the relationships he nurtured throughout his life.

Plaza and Baena, who first crossed paths in 2011, collaborated on several projects over the years before Plaza revealed in 2021 that they had tied the knot. In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Plaza offered a glimpse into their relationship.

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

She added, “So I think that can be really great. But, you know, working with your partner can always be challenging. There’s a lot of things we do separately and I think that it’s all about balance.”

However, a statement released to Deadline on Saturday conveyed, “The family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.