Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Husband Jeff Baena’s Death
For months, fans of Aubrey Plaza have been waiting for her to speak about the devastating loss of her husband. On January 3, 2025, filmmaker Jeff Baena was found dead at his Los Angeles home at the age of 47. His death was later ruled as suicide, leaving Hollywood, and especially those who admired the couple’s creative partnership, in deep shock.
Now, after more than seven months of silence, Aubrey Plaza has opened up about her husband Jeff Baena’s death for the first time. Appearing on her close friend Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, Plaza allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of listeners while reflecting on her grief, her late husband’s legacy, and how she is trying to move forward.
A Heartbreaking Conversation with Amy Poehler
The Good Hang podcast episode was deeply emotional from the start. Poehler, who worked alongside Plaza on Parks and Recreation between 2009–2015, began by acknowledging how many people wanted to hear how Plaza was doing. She carefully introduced the topic by expressing support and compassion, even holding Plaza’s hand during the recording.
Plaza admitted that discussing her loss publicly was not easy. With a pained but honest tone, she shared:
“Right now, in this very moment, I feel grateful to be sitting here with you. I’m functioning, I’m here, but grief is something I face every single day. It’s always there.”
This was the first time Plaza publicly admitted the depth of her pain, offering fans a rare glimpse into her private emotional journey.
The Emotional Weight of Grief
One of the most striking parts of the conversation came when Aubrey Plaza compared grief to the film The Gorge, a recent action-horror movie from 2025 starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. She described grief as being like a canyon filled with monsters, always present and impossible to escape.
“At all times there’s this ocean of awfulness. Sometimes I want to dive in, sometimes I just look at it, and other times I try to escape it. But it’s always there.”
This analogy resonated with listeners because it transformed an abstract emotion into something tangible. It showed how unpredictable grief can be — some days it feels like survival, and other days it feels like drowning.
Jeff Baena’s Life and Legacy
To understand the weight of this loss, one must remember who Jeff Baena was beyond being Aubrey Plaza’s husband. Baena was an accomplished filmmaker and screenwriter whose work was known for blending dark humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Some of his most notable films include:
- Life After Beth (2014): A dark comedy starring Plaza herself, which explored themes of love and loss through a supernatural lens.
- Joshy (2016): A Sundance film that explored male friendships and grief.
- The Little Hours (2017): A quirky medieval comedy with a star-studded cast.
- Spin Me Round (2022): A romantic comedy where Plaza and Baena once again collaborated, balancing humor with satire.
Baena’s career was a reflection of his creative genius. His partnership with Plaza was not just romantic but also artistic. Together, they built a body of work that showcased their unique comedic sensibilities.
Aubrey and Jeff: A Relationship of Love and Collaboration
Plaza and Baena’s relationship began in 2010, and though they kept it private, they shared over a decade together. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the two quietly married — a decision that surprised many fans when Plaza revealed it in an Instagram post a year later.
While they were known for their private lifestyle, their collaboration in Hollywood spoke volumes about their trust and admiration for one another. Even though reports suggested that they were separated at the time of Baena’s death, the emotional bond they shared was undeniable.
Coping with Loss in the Public Eye
One of the most challenging aspects of Plaza’s grief is living it out in public. As a beloved Hollywood figure, fans and media outlets have followed her journey closely. But grief, as Plaza explained, is personal, messy, and ongoing.
She credited her dog, Frankie, with being her “therapy companion,” offering unconditional love during her darkest moments. She also mentioned that supportive friends like Amy Poehler have been crucial in helping her navigate this new chapter of life.
For Plaza, opening up now was not just about her healing — it was also about honoring Baena’s memory and acknowledging the love fans have shown.
Amy Poehler’s Supportive Role
Amy Poehler’s presence in this conversation cannot be overlooked. More than just a podcast host, Poehler was a comforting friend who helped guide Plaza through the difficult discussion. At one point, Poehler reminded listeners of Baena’s contributions as a filmmaker and urged people to revisit his films.
“He was such a brilliant writer and director. His work was funny, beautiful, and full of heart.”
This was not only a way to celebrate Baena’s artistry but also to keep his legacy alive in Hollywood.
The Broader Impact: Grief, Mental Health, and Hollywood
The tragic death of Jeff Baena also highlights an important issue: the silent battles many face with mental health. In Hollywood especially, where public image often overshadows personal struggles, Baena’s passing serves as a painful reminder of why these conversations matter.
Plaza’s willingness to talk openly about her pain creates space for fans who may be going through similar struggles. It reminds us that grief is not linear, and healing does not follow a timeline.
Also Read: Terence Stamp Dies at 87: Remembering the Legendary General Zod of Superman
Aubrey Plaza’s Career Continues Amid Tragedy
Despite her personal struggles, Plaza continues to push forward professionally. She is currently promoting her new film, Honey Don’t!, which hits theaters on August 22, 2025. While she admitted it’s difficult to balance grief with work, her resilience shows her dedication both to her craft and to keeping Baena’s spirit alive through creativity.
Fans have also noticed that Plaza has leaned more into comedic projects lately, perhaps as a way to find moments of light during an otherwise dark period of her life.
Conclusion: Aubrey Plaza’s Strength Through Vulnerability
Aubrey Plaza’s decision to finally speak about her husband Jeff Baena’s death is more than just a celebrity interview — it’s a deeply human reminder of how fragile life is. Through her candidness, she has not only honored Baena’s memory but also given strength to fans facing their own grief.
Aubrey Plaza’s words on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast prove that grief doesn’t disappear with time; instead, it becomes a part of us. And by sharing her story, Plaza shows that it’s possible to live, love, and even laugh again while carrying that pain.
Jeff Baena’s legacy will live on through his films, while Plaza continues her journey as both an actress and a person navigating life after unimaginable loss.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena?
Jeff Baena was a Hollywood writer and director best known for films like Life After Beth and Spin Me Round.
Q2: How did Jeff Baena die?
Baena tragically died by suicide on January 3, 2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 47.
Q3: When did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena get married?
They quietly married in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after dating for nearly a decade.
Q4: What did Aubrey Plaza say about her grief?
Plaza described grief as “an ocean of awfulness,” always present and impossible to fully escape.
Q5: What is Aubrey Plaza’s latest project?
Her new film Honey Don’t! releases in theaters on August 22, 2025.