Aubrey Plaza, the actor known for ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘The White Lotus’, has publicly addressed the grief following her husband Jeff Baena’s suicide, describing it as a ‘daily struggle’ and an ‘ocean of awfulness’ during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast. This marks her first extensive comments since Baena’s death in January, offering a raw and personal insight into her coping process.
Who: Aubrey Plaza is a 40-year-old American actor celebrated for her roles in television and film, including ‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘The White Lotus’, and movies like ‘Ingrid Goes West’. Jeff Baena was a 47-year-old filmmaker and writer, known for directing films such as ‘Life After Beth’ and ‘The Little Hours’, and co-writing ‘I Heart Huckabees’. The couple met in 2011 and married in 2021, often collaborating professionally.
What: Plaza broke her silence on her husband’s death by suicide, sharing her experiences with grief and mental health struggles. She used vivid analogies, comparing her grief to the horror movie ‘The Gorge’, where she feels constantly pursued by ‘monster people’ representing her pain. Her comments were made during a candid conversation on Amy Poehler’s podcast ‘Good Hang’, which was released on August 19, 2025.
When: Jeff Baena died by suicide on January 3, 2025, at the age of 47. Plaza’s public discussion of his death occurred on August 19, 2025, during the podcast recording, with the episode published that same day. The news gained widespread attention immediately after the podcast’s release.
Where: Baena’s death occurred at his home in Los Angeles, California. Plaza’s comments were made remotely for the podcast, which is based in the United States and available globally. The interview was conducted with Amy Poehler, a close friend and former co-star from ‘Parks and Recreation’.
Why: Plaza’s decision to speak out appears driven by a need to process her grief publicly and to connect with others who may be experiencing similar loss. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles, stating that grief is ‘always there’ and something she navigates daily. Her openness aims to reduce stigma around suicide and mental health discussions.
How: Baena’s death was confirmed as a suicide by authorities, with no foul play suspected. Plaza described her coping mechanism as a ‘daily struggle’, involving moments of gratitude and functionality interspersed with intense sadness. She did not disclose specific details about the circumstances of his death but focused on her emotional journey and the support she receives from friends and family.
Impact: Plaza’s honesty has resonated widely, sparking conversations about grief, mental health, and the impact of suicide on loved ones. It has drawn attention to the need for better mental health resources and support systems. Her use of pop culture analogies makes the topic more accessible, potentially helping others articulate their own experiences. The news has been covered by major outlets, highlighting its significance in entertainment and mental health discourse.
What’s next: Plaza is continuing her acting career, with upcoming projects including Ethan Coen’s comedy ‘Honey Don’t’. She has not announced any hiatus, suggesting she is channeling her experiences into her work. The public response may lead to increased advocacy for mental health awareness, and further interviews or public appearances by Plaza could deepen this discussion. Her journey through grief remains ongoing, with support from her community and fans.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/aug/19/aubrey-plaza-husband-jeff-baena-death