Aubrey Plaza Reflects on Husband Jeff Baena’s Death: ‘Grief Feels Like an Ocean of Awfulness’

In a deeply emotional and rare interview, actress Aubrey Plaza opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide earlier this year. Known for her signature dry wit and enigmatic presence, Plaza laid bare her grief during a recent episode of the Good Hang podcast hosted by her former Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehler.

The couple had been together since 2011 and married quietly in 2021, keeping their relationship mostly private. However, tragedy struck in January 2025 when Baena, a respected filmmaker aged 47, was found dead at his Los Angeles residence. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the cause of death was suicide by hanging.

Who Is Aubrey Plaza’s Husband?

Jeff Baena was a talented screenwriter and director best known for films like The Little Hours, Joshy, and Life After Beth. He collaborated frequently with Plaza on film projects, blending comedy and emotion with a unique indie aesthetic. Though many fans weren’t aware of their long-term relationship, the couple had shared over a decade together before confirming their marriage publicly in 2021 via Plaza’s Instagram.

Baena’s creativity and quiet influence in the indie film world earned him respect, but he remained largely out of the public spotlight. According to multiple reports, Plaza and Baena had separated months before his passing in September 2024, though no formal divorce had been announced. Despite their separation, the shock of his sudden death devastated Plaza and those close to him.

How Aubrey Plaza Describes Her Grief Journey

On the Good Hang podcast, Poehler compassionately addressed the topic, saying, “You’ve had this terrible, terrible, tragic year. You lost your husband, and you’ve been looking for all different ways in which to feel and find support.”

Plaza responded with raw honesty. “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you,” she told Poehler. “Overall, 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.”

She then made a poignant comparison, likening her grief to the sci-fi film The Gorge, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. “There’s a cliff on one side and a cliff on the other, and a gorge in between filled with monster people,” Plaza explained. “I swear when I watched it, I thought, ‘That feels like what grief is like.’”

The most resonant moment came when she described grief as an “ocean of awfulness” that always lingers nearby. “Sometimes I just want to dive into it. Sometimes I just look at it. Sometimes I try to get away from it. But it’s always there.”

Mental health and grief are often stigmatized or hidden away, especially in Hollywood. Plaza’s vulnerability offers a rare and honest lens into the complexity of mourning someone you loved, even when the relationship had changed. Her reflections may resonate with countless others dealing with loss, showing the human behind the celebrity.

Following Baena’s passing, Plaza released a brief statement to People magazine: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Mental health professionals often emphasize the healing impact of openly sharing grief. According to licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Silver, “When public figures speak openly about personal struggles, it reduces stigma and encourages others to seek support.”

Plaza’s narrative—full of metaphor, humor, and heartbreak—offers a nuanced portrayal of bereavement. It shows that even those who appear composed may carry immense pain beneath the surface.

While Plaza has not publicly shared her next professional steps, her continued presence in entertainment—especially in emotionally rich roles—may take on new meaning in light of her personal loss. Known for her unique ability to balance comedy and sorrow, her future performances may further reflect her evolving experience.

Fans and supporters have expressed their sympathy and solidarity across social media, many saying that Plaza’s openness helped them feel less alone in their own grief.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You are not alone.

For your information:

Who is Jeff Baena to Aubrey Plaza?
Jeff Baena was Aubrey Plaza’s husband and longtime partner, a filmmaker known for indie hits like The Little Hours and Joshy. They were married from 2021 until his death in 2025.

Did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena separate before his death?
Yes. Reports confirm that Plaza and Baena separated in September 2024, four months before his death in January 2025.

How did Jeff Baena die?
Jeff Baena died by suicide in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as hanging.

What has Aubrey Plaza said about her grief?
Plaza described her grief as an “ocean of awfulness”—a persistent presence that she navigates daily. She shared these thoughts during a podcast appearance with Amy Poehler.

How long were Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena together?
The couple had been together for over a decade, dating since 2011 and confirming their marriage in 2021.

Is Aubrey Plaza returning to acting after her husband’s death?
While Plaza hasn’t officially announced her next project, she continues to engage with fans and media, showing signs of resilience and recovery.