Adam Pally is breaking his silence following the tragic death of his friend Jeff Baena

Adam Bali He shared an emotional tribute to his close friend and frequent collaborator, the director Jeff BrothersAfter the director’s tragic death on January 4 at the age of 47.

Baena, who was married to the actress Aubrey PlazaIt 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 many of his most notable films, including “Life After Beth,” “Joshy” and “The Little Hours.”

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

Paley remembered Baena, calling him a “mentor” and “collaborator” but couldn’t resist adding a jab, calling him “the roughest basketball player with the ugliest jumper I’ve ever seen.”

In his tribute, Paley highlighted Baena’s many qualities that go beyond his directorial talent. “He was a gifted director with impeccable taste and vision, a connector of people, an enhancer of possibilities, the man who knew where the best restaurant was no matter where you were,” he wrote.

Paley also spoke of Baena’s generosity, calling him “an extremely generous host with an almost annoying open-door policy, a film encyclopedia, and, most importantly to me, a friend.”

Their collaboration spanned nearly a decade, beginning with “Life After Beth,” in which Paley appeared alongside Plaza, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Matthew Gray Gubler, and John C. Reilly. He later took on a bigger role in ‘Joshy’, working as an actor and producer, before reuniting with Baena for ‘The Little Hours’.

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

Bali emphasized that Baena’s honesty was one of his defining virtues. “You never had to worry that Jeff wasn’t telling you what he was like, because Jeff’s virtue was telling you what he was like.”

The actor concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message to Baena’s loved ones. “My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey, the Baena family, and for 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.”

Baena’s loss He has left a deep 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 fostered throughout his life.

Plaza and Baena, who first met in 2011, collaborated on several projects over the years before Plaza revealed in 2021 that they were married. In a 2019 interview with People magazinePlaza provided a glimpse into their relationship.

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

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

However, a statement was issued to Delivery time “The family is devastated and is asking for privacy at this difficult time,” he reported on Saturday.

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