Aubrey Plaza grieving husband- Actress Aubrey Plaza has spoken for the first time about life after the devastating loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. Known for her roles in The White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, Plaza opened up during a heartfelt conversation with her longtime friend Amy Poehler on the podcast Good Hang.
Baena, who was just 47, died by suicide in January. The couple had been together since 2011 and married in 2021. For Plaza, the grief of losing her husband has been overwhelming — something she describes as both ever-present and impossible to fully put into words.
Aubrey Plaza grieving husband- Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Grieving Her Husband
During the podcast, Poehler gently asked Plaza how she was doing after what she called “a terrible, terrible, tragic year.” Plaza admitted that while she was managing to move forward, each day felt like a challenge.
“In this moment, I feel happy to be with you,” Plaza said. “I’m here, I’m functioning, and I’m grateful. But overall, it’s a daily struggle.”
Her honesty gives fans a glimpse into the difficult reality of grief — functioning on the outside while carrying unimaginable pain on the inside.
Comparing Grief to The Gorge
Plaza also shared a striking metaphor for her grief. She compared the experience to the sci-fi thriller The Gorge, starring Miles Teller, where characters are trapped between cliffs and fighting off terrifying creatures.
She described her grief as “a giant ocean of awfulness” — sometimes she wants to dive into it, sometimes she just looks at it, and other times she tries to escape. But no matter what, it’s always there.
It’s a raw, emotional way of expressing what so many people who have lost loved ones feel: grief is not something that disappears, but something you live with every day.
Remembering Jeff Baena’s Work and Legacy

Jeff Baena was widely respected in Hollywood for his darkly comic, original storytelling. He co-wrote I Heart Huckabees with David O. Russell and directed several films, including Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Spin Me Round, many of which starred Plaza herself.
Critics praised his unique voice in filmmaking, with The Guardian calling his movies “enjoyably twisted.” His passing was described by Plaza and his family as “an unimaginable tragedy,” leaving behind both a creative legacy and a personal void for those closest to him.
A Story of Grief and Courage
By opening up, Aubrey Plaza has shown great courage. Talking publicly about losing her husband — and especially acknowledging that his death was by suicide — helps break the silence that often surrounds grief and mental health.
Her willingness to share her journey may bring comfort to others going through similar pain, reminding them that it’s okay to struggle, and that grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline.
Closing Thoughts
The story of Aubrey Plaza grieving husband Jeff Baena is one of heartbreak, resilience, and honesty. Plaza’s words remind us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to carry.
As she continues to navigate life without her husband, her openness is not only a tribute to Baena’s memory but also a source of strength for those who see their own struggles reflected in her story.
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