Story perspectives

Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Grief After Husband's Suicide

8/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Aubrey Plaza spoke about her grief over husband Jeff Baena's suicide on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast, highlighting her daily struggles.
She expressed gratitude for life, stating, "Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning," and compared her grief to the film "The Gorge."
The couple had been separated for four months before Baena's death in January 2025 but maintained close contact.
Plaza mentioned her dog, Frankie, as a source of comfort during this challenging period.

History

Historical Context

Following Robin Williams' suicide in 2014, mental health awareness surged in the U.S., with nearly 1 in 5 adults experiencing mental illness that year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This tragedy sparked a societal shift towards openness about mental health struggles, as seen in Aubrey Plaza's candid discussions about grief, highlighting the importance of support systems in coping with loss.

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Story summary

Aubrey Plaza spoke about her grief over husband Jeff Baena's suicide on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast, highlighting her daily struggles.
She expressed gratitude for life, stating, "Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning," and compared her grief to the film "The Gorge."
The couple had been separated for four months before Baena's death in January 2025 but maintained close contact.
Plaza mentioned her dog, Frankie, as a source of comfort during this challenging period.

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