Aubrey Plaza has recently shared her ongoing battle with grief following the passing of her husband Jeff Baena in January.
In a conversation on the Good Hang podcast with Amy Poehler, a former co-star from Parks and Recreation, Plaza was open about her feelings following Baena’s suicide at the age of 47 on January 3rd.
Poehler, 53, pointed out that Plaza’s dog has been a source of comfort during these times, noting, “People are eager to see you and check on your well-being because they care about you.”
Poehler continued, “You’ve faced a deeply tragic year with the loss of your husband and have been searching for various forms of support and ways to cope. On behalf of your fans and friends, how are you managing today?”
Plaza, known for her role in The White Lotus, admitted that while she was happy in the company of her friend at that moment, there are definitely hard times as well. “I’m here, and I’m managing. I’m thankful that I can still navigate through life. I think I’m managing alright, but obviously, it’s a day-to-day battle,” she shared.
The actress from Agatha All Along likened her grief to a scene from the upcoming 2025 action/horror movie, The Gorge, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. She humorously began what she called a “silly analogy,” which she initially thought was a joke but then realized it held true for her.
“The film features cliffs on either side with a gorge in the middle filled with monstrous creatures attacking the characters,” she described. “When I watched it, I felt like it mirrored my grief… like what grief might feel like.”
Plaza elaborated, “It’s as if there’s a vast sea of despair always nearby, and I can see it. Sometimes, I feel like plunging into it and just immersing myself in that sorrow. Other times, I just observe it, and sometimes I try to distance myself from it. But it’s always there.”
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will also remain operational.

Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
