Debby Ryan Honors Jeff Baena on His Birthday: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Friend and Creative Partner

DEBBY RYAN'S TEARJERKER TRIBUTE TO AUBREY PLAZA'S LATE HUSBAND JEFF BAEANA: THE ULTIMATE CELEBRITY FRIENDSHIP GOES PUBLIC!

In a rare display of emotional vulnerability, Debby Ryan, 32, poured her heart out on Instagram yesterday to honor the memory of Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza's late husband who would have turned 48 if he were still with us. The emotional tribute comes six months after Baena's tragic passing, and it's a poignant reminder of the deep bond he shared with Ryan.

The actress, known for her roles in Disney's "Jessie" and "16 Wishes," took to Instagram to share a collection of photos featuring celebrity friends like Fred Armisen, Zach Woods, Ayden Mayer, Matthew Gray Gubler, and her husband Josh Dun. But it was the heartfelt caption that truly stole the show.

Ryan began by acknowledging her struggles with grief, revealing that she's never been one to publicly express her emotions. However, in this moment of remembrance, she opened up about the profound impact Baena had on her life. "I've thought about him every day for the past six months," she confessed. "At the beginning of the year, I lost a dear friend, cherished collaborator, and mentor in Jeff Baena. 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."

The pair collaborated on two projects together: 2020's "Horse Girl" and 2022's "Spin Me Round." Ryan praised Baena for believing in her, saying that he saw something special in her and gave her the dignity of introducing herself. She credited him with helping her grow as a person and artist, stating that he brought her to her first film festival after casting her in "Horse Girl."

But what's truly remarkable about this tribute is how it highlights the complexities of grief. Ryan candidly shared her struggles with acceptance, guilt, and forgiveness, revealing that she's been oscillating between heavy grief and a desire for acceptance. She confessed to trying to absolve guilt for not being able to save Baena and forgive him for leaving her behind.

As she reflected on their friendship, Ryan acknowledged the impossible projects they were going to make together before his passing. She also touched on the gifts he left behind, including discoveries of new possibilities and a continued sense of his presence in her life.

In a stunning conclusion, Ryan wrote: "Thanks for all of it, Jeff. Love you dude ✨ and happy birthday." It's clear that Baena's memory will continue to live on through their shared experiences and the impact he had on those around him.

The Scholary Note has learned that Plaza and Baena were separated since September 2024, an LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by The Scholarly Note reveals. When his body was discovered on January 3, Plaza was living in New York, leaving many wondering what the future holds for these two beloved celebrities.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!