In a recent interview on the podcast “Good Hang,” prominent actress Aubrey Plaza opened up about her experiences with grief following the tragic death of her estranged husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. This marked the first time Plaza publicly addressed the aftermath of his passing, which occurred seven months ago when Baena took his own life at the age of 47. Plaza’s vulnerability during the conversation highlighted the intensity of her emotions and the ongoing struggles she faces in her daily life.
Reflecting on her current state, Plaza revealed to her friend and former “Parks and Recreation” co-star, Amy Poehler, that life feels like “a daily struggle.” In an attempt to articulate her feelings, she likened her grief to a “giant ocean of awfulness,” a metaphor that captures the overwhelming nature of her sorrow. Plaza described how her emotional state fluctuates; sometimes she feels compelled to immerse herself in the depths of her grief, other times she looks upon it from a distance, seeking a way to escape its weight. However, she acknowledged that this grief is a constant presence in her life.
The couple, who had been married since 2021, had a unique bond forged through their collaborations on several films, including the horror-comedy “Life After Beth” and the historical comedy “The Little Hours.” Tragically, Baena was found dead in January 2025 at their Los Angeles home. His passing has left Plaza grappling with not just loss but with complex emotions that accompany such a substantial life change.
During the intimate conversation, Plaza expressed moments of clarity amidst the chaos of her feelings, telling Poehler, “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you.” This affirmation of friendship reflects her resilience, indicating that despite the overwhelming pain, she finds joy in connections with those around her.
In her description of grief, Plaza referenced her upcoming film “The Gorge,” drawing an unusual parallel between the film’s story and her experiences. The movie features characters played by Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, who are snipers on opposite sides of a deep gorge inhabited by monstrous beings. Plaza shared that this imagery resonated with her understanding of grief—an ever-present chasm filled with challenges and pain. She articulated this analogy, saying, “At all times, there’s like a giant ocean of just awfulness that’s right there,” encapsulating the continuous struggle she faces while moving through her daily life.
The couple’s relationship, while creative and fruitful, faced trials that led to their separation in September 2024, shortly before Baena’s death. Plaza, who has also gained recognition for her roles in the critically acclaimed series “The White Lotus” and the Marvel series “Agatha All Along,” is currently promoting her new film “Honey Don’t!” This latest project aims to showcase her range as an actress while illustrating her ability to navigate personal grief and professional commitments simultaneously.
Baena was well-respected in the film industry for his distinctive storytelling abilities, known for writing and directing films such as “I Heart Huckabees,” “Joshy,” and “Horse Girl.” His innovative approach to filmmaking has left a lasting impact on the creative community. Plaza’s heartfelt reflections on his life and passing serve as both a tribute to his contributions and a reminder of the deep personal costs associated with loss and sorrow.
As she continues to process her experiences, Plaza embodies the complexity of navigating grief in a public eye, offering insights into her journey while encouraging others to understand and discuss their emotional struggles openly. Her candidness not only humanizes celebrity struggles but also fosters a greater awareness of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being in the face of tragedy.
