Adam Pally breaks his silence on the tragic passing of friend Jeff Beena

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

Baena, who was married to an actress Aubrey SquareOn January 3rd, an assistant in a Los Angeles area home discovered. The Los Angeles medical examiner later ruled his death a suicide.

Pally worked closely with Baen in several 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 Baen, sharing a moving tribute that balanced humor, heartfelt memories and deep admiration.

Remembering Baen, Palley described him as a “mentor” and “collaborator” but couldn't help but add a light-hearted jab, calling him “the scariest basketball player with the ugliest jumper you've ever seen.”

In his tribute, Pally emphasized Baena's many qualities beyond his talent as a director. “He was a talented director with impeccable taste and vision, he was a connector of people, a promoter of opportunity, a guy who knows where the best restaurant is, wherever you are,” he wrote.

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

Their collaboration spanned nearly a decade, beginning with Life After Beth, where Pally appeared alongside Plaza, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Haines, Matthew Gray Gubler and John C. Reilly. He later took on a bigger role in Joshy, serving as both actor and producer, before reuniting with Baen in Small Hours.

On Baen's approach to filmmaking, Pally praised his relentless pursuit of authenticity. “Jeff was all about the truth. Nothing could sound, look or feel fake, which was exactly what Jeff was. Authentic,” he said.

Pally emphasized that Baena's honesty is one of his defining virtues. “You never worry about Jeff telling you how it is, because Jeff's virtue told you how it is.”

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

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

Plaza and Baena, who first crossed paths in 2011, collaborated on several projects for several years before Plaza revealed in 2021 that they had agreed. in a 2019 interview with PEOPLE magazinePlaza offered insight into their relationship.

“I think when you're with someone who's 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 can support each other and really understand what a journey we're both on.

She added: “So I think it can be really great. But, you know, working with a partner can always be a challenge. We do a lot on our own, and I think it's all about balance.”

However, a common statement Deadline said Saturday: “The family is devastated and requests privacy during this difficult time.”

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