Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Her “Daily Struggle” After Husband’s Tragic Death

Actress Aubrey Plaza has opened up with remarkable candor and courage about her emotional experience after the loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January 2025 at age 47. Plaza’s heartfelt revelations came during an intensely personal appearance on the “Good Hang” podcast, hosted by her friend and former “Parks and Recreation” co-star, Amy Poehler.

The Power of Vulnerability: Plaza’s Raw Disclosure

Not your typical celebrity interview, Plaza’s conversation with Poehler revealed a deeply human side rarely seen in mainstream media. When asked, “How are you feeling today?” by Poehler, Plaza responded with a mixture of gratitude and honesty:

“In this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you,” she said. “I’m here and I’m functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m okay, but it’s like a daily struggle, obviously.”

A Struggle That Never Truly Leaves

Plaza described her grief as “a giant ocean of awfulness, that’s like right there and I can see it.” Sometimes she wants “to dive into it and just like be in it,” other times she simply observes it, or tries to escape, but as she says:

“It’s always there.”

She illustrated her pain using a metaphor from the film The Gorge, likening the ongoing presence of grief to a gorge filled with “monster people” that mirrors her emotional state.

Love and Loss: Plaza and Baena’s Story

The relationship between Plaza and Baena began in 2011, marked by mutual creativity and support. They collaborated on critically acclaimed projects like Life After Beth and, with Plaza often crediting Baena’s support for her success. Their marriage was kept private until it was revealed on social media in 2021. However, reports indicate they separated in late 2024, several months before Baena’s passing.

Humanity in the Spotlight: Grief and Resilience

Plaza’s openness about her “daily struggle” with grief demonstrates the complex path to healing. She says moving forward involves feeling everything—even the most overwhelming pain—rather than ignoring it:

“Sometimes I just want to dive into it… then sometimes I try to get away from it. But it’s always there.”

Using Her Platform for Mental Health Awareness

By sharing her journey, Plaza is helping to break the stigma around grief and mental health. “People care about you and want to see how you’re doing,” Poehler said, a sentiment echoed by Plaza’s fans and the broader community.

She ended her podcast appearance with a call for support, emphasizing available resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or consult organizations like the International Association for Suicide Prevention for global help.

The Enduring Impact of Plaza’s Story – Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza’s willingness to discuss her pain on a public platform shows extraordinary strength, offering hope to countless others navigating their own losses. Her story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.