Aubrey Plaza Reflects on Life After Husband’s Tragic Death

Aubrey Plaza has shared her experiences navigating life following the heartbreaking loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena. Baena, who was 47, took his own life earlier this year, a event Plaza has been candid about in recent conversations.

In a recent episode of the podcast “Nice,” hosted by her longtime friend Amy Poehler, Plaza, 41, opened up about her overwhelming grief. Poehler, who previously starred with Plaza in “Parks and Recreation,” acknowledged the hardships Plaza has faced, stating, “You’ve had this terrible, terrible, tragic year. You lost your husband… looking for ways to feel supported.”

Poehler mentioned Plaza’s dog, Franky, as a significant comfort during this time. “Franky looks like your therapy dog now,” she remarked, asking Plaza how she currently feels about her situation and the people around her.

Plaza responded with emotion, saying, “In this very present moment, I am pleased to be with you.” She expressed gratitude for being able to travel despite acknowledging that it feels like a constant struggle. “It’s okay, but it clearly seems like a daily struggle,” she added.

After Baena’s death in early January, Plaza kept mostly to herself. She eventually spoke out on Instagram, delivering a heartfelt tribute stating, “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” and expressing gratitude for the support they received, while requesting privacy.

Later in the discussion, Plaza brought up the recent sci-fi action film “The Gorge,” mentioning a metaphor that likened her feelings of sadness to the film’s narrative. “Did you watch the movie ‘The Gorge’?” she asked. “It’s filled with cliffs on both sides and a canyon in between,” she explained, suggesting that the visual representation echoed her emotional state.

Plaza described her sadness as a looming ocean that, at times, feels overwhelmingly close. “Sometimes, I just want to jump into it, and I’m just in it,” she reflected. Yet there are moments she tries to escape it, noting, “But it’s always there.”

Baena, who passed away on January 3rd, was found at their home. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they responded to a call there and that he was declared dead on the scene. Plaza and Baena kept their relationship private, having met in 2011, and while it’s unclear exactly when they married, Plaza confirmed their marriage status in an Instagram post in 2021.