Aubrey Plaza opens up about husband Jeff Baena’s death
Aubrey Plaza and her husband, Jeff Baena. Credit: Mark Davis / Getty Images for Sundance NEXT
Actress Aubrey Plaza is speaking publicly for the first time about the devastating loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died earlier this year. In a candid conversation with longtime friend and collaborator Amy Poehler on Poehler’s podcast, Plaza described the overwhelming grief she has faced since his passing.
Known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, Plaza said that Baena’s death has left a void in her life that she is still learning how to navigate. Her emotional comments offered fans a rare glimpse into her private world, where heartbreak and resilience now coexist.
“Grief Is Not Linear”: Plaza on Navigating Loss
Plaza shared that coping with Baena’s death has been a deeply personal and uneven process. “Grief is not linear,” she said, explaining that some days are harder than others and that the healing process often feels unpredictable.
The actress noted that despite her public image as a strong and witty performer, she has struggled with moments of deep vulnerability. “I don’t always know how to show up in the world now,” Plaza admitted, reflecting on the balance between honoring her grief and continuing her career.
Her words resonated with listeners who have faced similar losses, offering validation that grief rarely follows a clear or orderly path.
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The Role of Community, Work, and Healing
Plaza emphasized the importance of support from friends and family during her grieving process. She credited her close-knit circle, including Poehler and other collaborators, with providing comfort and stability in her darkest moments.
She also explained that creative work has served as both a refuge and a challenge. Returning to acting after Baena’s death, Plaza admitted, was bittersweet: “Being on set reminds me of what Jeff loved most, storytelling and film. In some ways, it keeps me connected to him.”
While she is still learning to move forward, Plaza said she wants to honor Baena’s legacy by living fully and continuing the creative passions they once shared. Fans praised her honesty, calling her remarks both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Aubrey Plaza’s decision to open up about her grief marks a powerful and vulnerable moment in her career. By sharing her journey through loss, she not only honors the memory of Jeff Baena but also provides comfort to others experiencing similar pain.
As she continues to heal with the help of her community and creative work, Plaza reminds us that grief is complex but survivable, and that even in heartbreak, love and memory endure.