Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Grief Following Filmmaker Husband Jeff Baena's Death

Actress Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of her estranged husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, describing grief as a "giant ocean of awfulness." Baena, known for his work on films like "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours," died in January at the age of 47.

Plaza, 41, shared her reflections on grief during an interview on the "Good Hang" podcast hosted by her former "Parks and Recreation" co-star, Amy Poehler. While promoting her new film "Honey Don't!", she offered a candid glimpse into her emotional state, seven months after Baena's passing.

Navigating a "Daily Struggle"

Asked by Poehler how she was doing, Plaza responded, "Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm OK, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously."

She further elaborated on her experience, stating, "Sometimes I just want to dive into it and just like be in it. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, it's always there."

A Unique Analogy: "The Gorge"

Plaza drew an analogy to the film "The Gorge," starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, to illustrate the nature of her grief. "In the movie, there's a cliff on one side and there's a cliff on the other side, then there's a gorge in between and it's filled with all these monster people that are trying to get them," she explained. "I swear when I watched it I was like, that feels like what my grief is like, or what grief could be like. At all times, there's like a giant ocean of just awfulness that's right there."

A Look Back: Plaza and Baena's Relationship

Plaza and Baena married in 2021 after collaborating on several projects, including the horror-comedy "Life After Beth" (2014) and the historical comedy "The Little Hours" (2017). News reports indicate that the couple separated in September 2024.

The Impact of Loss in the Arts

The entertainment industry, often perceived as glamorous, is no stranger to the realities of grief and loss. The impact of such experiences can be profound, shaping artistic expression and influencing the creative process. Dr. Eleanor Sanderson, a cultural psychologist specializing in the impact of trauma on artists, notes that "Grief can be a powerful catalyst for artistic exploration. It can lead to deeper self-reflection, a heightened awareness of mortality, and a desire to connect with others through shared experiences of loss."

She further explains that, "For performers like Aubrey Plaza, navigating grief in the public eye adds another layer of complexity. There's a pressure to maintain a professional image while simultaneously processing profound personal loss. The ability to openly discuss these experiences, as Plaza has done, can help to destigmatize grief and encourage more open conversations about mental health within the industry."

Baena's Legacy: A Career in Film

Jeff Baena was a respected writer, director, and producer. He is credited with writing films such as "I Heart Huckabees" (2004), and for writing and directing "Joshy" (2016), "The Little Hours" (2017), and "Horse Girl" (2020). His work often explored unconventional themes and featured a distinctive comedic sensibility.

Plaza's Continued Success

Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan comedic style and versatile acting abilities, has starred in popular television series such as "Parks and Recreation," "The White Lotus," and the upcoming Marvel series "Agatha All Along." Her film credits include "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," "Ingrid Goes West," and "Emily the Criminal."

The Ongoing Conversation

Plaza's willingness to share her experience with grief contributes to an ongoing conversation about mental health and well-being within the entertainment industry and beyond. By speaking openly about her struggles, she offers a message of empathy and resilience to others who may be navigating similar challenges.

As Professor Mark Thompson, a media studies professor at the University of Southern California, comments, "When celebrities openly discuss their personal struggles, it can have a powerful impact on public perception. It humanizes them and creates a space for more authentic dialogue about difficult topics. In Aubrey Plaza's case, her willingness to share her experience with grief can help to break down stigmas and encourage others to seek support when they need it."