Aubrey Plaza spoke publicly for the first time about her emotional journey through grief following the tragic suicide of her husband, writer-director Jeff Baena, who died on January 3, 2025, at age 47. In a candid episode on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, she described her grief as a “daily struggle,” likening it to navigating a terrifying chasm filled with “monster people,” inspired by the sci-fi horror film The Gorge.
Aubrey Plaza has long been known for her sharp wit, deadpan delivery, and fearless approach to unconventional roles. From her breakout as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation to acclaimed performances in White Lotus and a growing list of feature films, Plaza has carved out a place in Hollywood as both a comedic force and a dramatic powerhouse.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Her openness marked a rare glimpse into the private life of an actress often celebrated for her mysterious, offbeat persona. Fans and peers alike have praised her vulnerability, noting how her willingness to speak honestly about loss deepens her impact not only as a performer but also as a public figure.
But in 2025, Plaza’s life was struck by unimaginable tragedy with the loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died earlier this year. For the first time, the actress opened up about her grief in a candid conversation with Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast. She described her journey as a “daily struggle”, comparing the experience to navigating a terrifying void filled with monsters. Yet, amid the pain, she expressed gratitude for her ability to function, for her loyal dog Frankie, and for her community of friends who bring comfort and laughter.
Despite the immense pain, Plaza expressed gratitude for her ability to function and for the comfort of her support system—including her dog Frankie and close friends who bring laughter and ease to her life She said: “It’s like a daily struggle Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning and I feel really grateful to be moving through the world.”
Honey Don’t! is set to release in theaters across the United States and Canada on August 22, 2025. Directed by Ethan Coen, this neo-noir dark comedy features Plaza among its stars, alongside Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans. It premiered at Cannes on May 24, 2025.
In addition, Aubrey Plaza stars in Animal Friends, an upcoming live-action/animated comedy (with voices), slated for U.S. theatrical release on May 1, 2026. The film features an ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Vince Vaughn, and others.
Aubrey Plaza’s career has always defied easy labels—she moves seamlessly from quirky indie films to big studio projects, from irreverent humor to layered, dramatic performances. Today, her journey also includes navigating grief with courage and authenticity, a reminder that even those who make the world laugh must also confront profound sorrow.
Through it all, Plaza continues to captivate audiences, not just with her performances, but with her honesty, resilience, and the raw humanity that underpins her art.