Full Breakdown
Aubrey Plaza Discusses Grief Following Husband Jeff Baena's Death
8/20/2025, 1:30:55 PM
Navigating Grief: Aubrey Plaza's Reflections
Aubrey Plaza recently opened up about her ongoing grief following the death of her husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47. This marked Plaza's first extensive public discussion about her loss, which she shared during an episode of her friend and former "Parks and Recreation" co-star Amy Poehler's podcast, "Good Hang." Plaza described her emotional state as a "daily struggle," expressing gratitude for being able to function while acknowledging the profound sadness that accompanies her.
During the podcast, Poehler compassionately addressed Plaza's difficult year, stating, "You’ve had this terrible, terrible, tragic year. You lost your husband." In response, Plaza reflected, "Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm OK, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously."
A Unique Metaphor for Grief
Plaza likened her grief to the 2025 film "The Gorge," which features characters navigating a perilous gorge filled with monsters. She explained, “At all times, there’s like a giant ocean of awfulness that’s right there and I can see it. Sometimes I just want to dive into it and just be in it. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But it’s always there.” This metaphor encapsulates her feelings of being constantly aware of her grief, which she described as an ever-present challenge.
Background on Jeff Baena
Jeff Baena was a notable filmmaker known for his work on films such as "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours," both of which starred Plaza. The couple began dating in 2011 and married in 2021, although they had reportedly been separated for four months prior to his death. Following Baena's passing, Plaza and his family released a joint statement calling it "an unimaginable tragedy" and requested privacy during their time of mourning.
Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms
In the podcast, Plaza also mentioned her close friends, who provide her with laughter and support during this challenging time. She noted, “A group of my women friends … we have a text chain and we do Zooms and trips and those girls make me laugh really, really hard.” This highlights the importance of social connections in her healing process.
Official Statements and Resources
In the immediate aftermath of Baena's death, Plaza expressed her gratitude for the support she received, stating, “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.” For those affected by similar issues, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) are available for support.
As Plaza continues to navigate her grief, she remains committed to her career, with her latest film, "Honey Don't," set to premiere soon. Her candid reflections on grief serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of loss and the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
