Aubrey Plaza Discusses Grief Following Husband Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza recently shared her ongoing journey of grief after the death of her husband, Jeff Baena, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 47. During an appearance on the Good Hang podcast, hosted by her former Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehler, Plaza opened up about the challenges she faces daily as she navigates her emotions following this profound loss.

In the podcast episode, Poehler expressed support for Plaza, acknowledging the intense grief she has experienced this past year. “You had this terrible, terrible, tragic year. You lost your husband,” Poehler said. She continued, “You’ve been dealing with that, and you’ve been looking for all different ways in which to feel and find support.” In response to Poehler’s inquiry about her current emotional state, Plaza replied, “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you.” She added, “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.”

Finding Humor in Grief

Plaza, known for her roles in films such as Life After Beth and The Little Hours, likened her mental state to a scene from the upcoming movie The Gorge, starring Miles Teller. She described a scenario where characters navigate between two cliffs, with a gorge filled with “monster people” attempting to hinder their progress. “I swear when I watched it I was like, ‘That feels like what my grief is like,’” she explained. “At all times, there’s a giant ocean of awfulness that’s right there and I can see it. Sometimes I just want to dive into it and be in it, and sometimes I look at it. Sometimes I try to get away from it.”

This metaphor illustrates the complex nature of her grief, as it remains a constant presence in her life while she seeks ways to cope. Plaza’s candidness about her emotional struggles resonates with many who have faced similar losses.

A Shared Legacy

Plaza and Baena were married in 2021 after a decade-long relationship. Their partnership extended beyond personal bonds, as Plaza featured in four of Baena’s five films. Following Baena’s tragic passing, which was reported to be by suicide, Plaza and her late husband’s family released a statement describing his death as “an unimaginable tragedy.”

The statement expressed gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time and requested privacy as they navigate their loss.

As Plaza continues to share her experiences, she highlights the importance of open conversations about grief and mental health. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience required to face such profound loss while emphasizing the need for understanding and support from those around us.