Aubrey Plaza Breaks Silence on Husband Jeff Baena’s Suicide: ‘Grief Feels Like a Daily Battle

Jeff Baena and Aubrey Plaza in 2017 Photograph/AP

Aubrey Plaza has opened up for the first time about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who tragically died by suicide earlier this year.

In a raw and emotional conversation on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, the White Lotus and Parks and Recreation star described 2024 as “a terrible, terrible, tragic year.”

“Right now, I feel happy to be with you,” Plaza told Poehler. “Overall, I’m here and functioning. I’m grateful to still be moving through the world. But it’s a daily struggle, obviously.”

Baena, known for directing dark comedies like Life After Beth and The Little Hours (both starring Plaza), passed away in January at the age of 47 at his Los Angeles home. At the time, Plaza and his family called it “an unimaginable tragedy.”

Plaza used a scene from the sci-fi horror film The Gorge to explain her grief, saying it feels like being surrounded by “a giant ocean of awfulness” that never goes away.

“Sometimes I want to dive into it, sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I’m running from it,” she explained. “But it’s always there.”

The couple first met in 2011 and tied the knot in 2021. Together, they created some of Baena’s most memorable films. He also co-wrote I Heart Huckabees and directed Spin Me Round with Plaza and Alison Brie.

As Plaza continues to process her loss, she is also moving forward with her career. She’ll next appear in Ethan Coen’s upcoming comedy Honey Don’t, following acclaimed roles in Ingrid Goes West and Emily the Criminal.

Plaza’s courage in speaking about her grief is resonating with fans who have experienced similar struggles. Her honesty shines a light on the ongoing conversation about mental health, loss, and resilience in Hollywood.

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