Aubrey Plaza, widely recognized for her sharp wit and captivating performances in dark comedy, has emerged in 2025 not only as a talented actress but also as a figure navigating profound personal loss alongside exciting new professional endeavors. This year, Plaza openly discussed her journey through grief following the death of her husband, Jeff Baena, while simultaneously announcing a slate of upcoming film projects that underscore a transformative phase in her career.
Aubrey Plaza Shares Emotional Journey Grieving Husband Jeff Baena
In a deeply personal interview on the popular podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Plaza spoke candidly about the ongoing impact of losing Jeff Baena, her husband and creative partner, who tragically died by suicide in January 2025 at age 47. Drawing from the Apple TV+ sci-fi movie The Gorge, Plaza described her grief as “a giant ocean of awfulness,” a persistent and overwhelming presence she confronts each day with resilience.
She likened the experience to standing between two cliffs, with monstrous creatures lurking below—a powerful metaphor illustrating her mental and emotional state. Despite the pain, Plaza expressed gratitude for being able to “function” and “navigate life,” emphasizing the daily struggle to balance mourning with her professional responsibilities.
Jeff Baena was a respected writer and director, known for films such as Life After Beth (2014) and Spin Me Round (2022). The couple, married since 2021 after a decade-long relationship, frequently collaborated creatively. Plaza’s transparency about her grief has resonated deeply with fans and the public, bringing attention to mental health challenges and the importance of open dialogue.
New Career Highlights and Upcoming Projects
Despite personal challenges, Aubrey Plaza’s career continues to flourish with several notable projects:
“The Heidi Fleiss Story” (Upcoming)
Plaza is set to produce and star in a biopic about Heidi Fleiss, the infamous Hollywood madam. Directed by Leah Rachel, this film marks a significant expansion into dramatic and high-profile producing roles for Plaza, showcasing her growing influence behind the scenes.
“Honey Don’t!” (Released August 22, 2025)
A standout dark comedy, Honey Don’t! premiered to critical acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Known for her signature deadpan humor, Plaza stars in this quirky story about mysterious deaths and unusual investigations, further cementing her reputation for nuanced comedic performance.
“Animal Friends” (Scheduled October 2025)
This upcoming R-rated road trip adventure blends live-action with animation. Featuring voice work from Plaza alongside Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa, the film promises a fresh comedic vibe and showcases Plaza’s versatility.
“The Ark and the Aardvark” (Expected April 2026)
In this animated feature, Plaza voices Brain, a wise and charismatic spider navigating themes of survival and leadership. This role adds another layer to her diverse portfolio of acting work.
These varied projects highlight Plaza’s range and ambition, from voice acting and comedy to producing, positioning her as a significant creative force in contemporary cinema.
Quick Facts About Aubrey Plaza
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 41 years old (2025) |
| Husband | Jeff Baena (deceased January 2025) |
| Notable TV Role | Parks and Recreation |
| Recent Breakthrough Movie | The White Lotus |
| Upcoming Projects | The Heidi Fleiss Story, Animal Friends, The Ark and the Aardvark |
| Public Appearances | 2025 Cannes Film Festival, 2025 Super Bowl commercial |
Expert Perspectives on Aubrey Plaza’s Artistry and Impact
Film critic Rebecca Stone notes, “Aubrey Plaza expertly channels complex emotions with comedic timing, allowing audiences to confront darker themes through a relatable lens.”
Mental health professionals praise Plaza’s candidness about grief, stating it helps reduce stigma around mourning openly, particularly in the entertainment industry, where public image is heavily curated.
What Aubrey Plaza’s Story Reveals
Plaza’s candid reflections show a celebrity grappling with profound loss while continuing her creative growth. She highlights the importance of mental health awareness and community support.
Her journey offers inspiration and a rich, authentic perspective on balancing vulnerability and ambition.
Who is Aubrey Plaza married to?
Plaza was married to Jeff Baena, a writer and director. They tied the knot in 2021, and he passed away in January 2025.
What are Aubrey Plaza’s current projects?
Plaza is involved in The Heidi Fleiss Story (producer and star), Animal Friends and The Ark and the Aardvark (voice roles), and starred in Honey Don’t! which released in August 2025.
How is Aubrey Plaza coping with the loss of her husband?
Plaza describes grief as an ongoing daily challenge but approaches life with openness and gratitude, using relatable film metaphors to express her emotional experience.
Has Aubrey Plaza appeared publicly since her husband’s death?
Yes; she made her red carpet return at Cannes 2025 for Honey Don’t! and featured in a high-profile Super Bowl commercial.
Who was Aubrey Plaza’s husband?
Aubrey Plaza was married to Jeff Baena, a writer and director. They married in 2021, and he tragically passed away by suicide in January 2025.
How did Jeff Baena die?
Jeff Baena died by suicide in early 2025, a loss that Aubrey Plaza has openly discussed as a difficult and ongoing grief process.
What is “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler and how is it related to Aubrey Plaza?
Good Hang is a podcast hosted by Amy Poehler, where Aubrey Plaza appeared to candidly talk about her grief and recent experiences, gaining widespread attention.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s age?
Aubrey Plaza is 41 years old as of 2025.
