Content warning: This story discusses suicide.
Aubrey Plaza is opening up about the heartache of husband Jeff Baena‘s death.
Seven months following the director’s suicide at the age of 47, the former star of Parks and Recreation shared her journey through grief with Amy Poehler, expressing that she is dealing with each day as it comes.
During the August 19th episode of Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, Plaza expressed that she is present and active. She admitted feeling thankful for each day and acknowledged that she’s managing, though it’s a continuous challenge.
Plaza went on to note she made a realization when watching the 2025 film, The Gorge.
In the film, it appears as if there are steep cliffs on both sides, with a deep chasm in between. She described this movie featuring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as having such a setting, and mentioned that it is inhabited by various monstrous creatures attempting to reach them.
In Plaza’s words, “As I observed it, I felt as though my sorrow mirrored that experience-or what sorrow might resemble-with a constant vast sea of unpleasantness just a step away, visible to me at all times. Occasionally, I yearn to immerse myself within it, becoming one with the sensation. At other moments, I merely gaze upon it, and still there are instances where I attempt to distance myself from it. Yet, no matter what, it always remains present.
After Baena’s passing in January, Plaza expressed her feelings publicly for the first time, paying tribute to her longtime collaborator and husband of five years. She described his death as an overwhelming and inconceivable loss.
TopMob News reports that the family expressed heartfelt appreciation to all those extending help. They kindly ask for their privacy to be honored as they navigate through this challenging period.
Afterward, numerous friends and dear ones have carried on remembering Baena by his side, among them, more recently, Debby Ryan from Disney – who posted an emotional tribute recalling the special connection she shared with her mentor.
In his June Instagram post, Ryan expressed that the stages of grief aren’t sequential; rather, they are similar to space stations he has temporarily visited during intermittent periods of drifting. His aspiration is that they will eventually become more like satellites – constantly orbiting, frequently seen but not a place to permanently reside.
For six months, she acknowledged her struggle to embrace the unexpected impossibility of our shared projects. During that time, I found remnants of him, as well as ongoing gifts from him – a testament to his impact on me and others. Thank you for everything, Jeff.
Keep reading for a look back at Baena and Plaza’s relationship over the years…
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena have been tight-lipped about the early stages of their relationship, but they began dating in 2011 following a chance encounter during a game of Balderdash.
But one thing the Parks & Recreation star divulged is that from the start, they bonded over movies.
In an interview with Page Six back in 2017, she expressed her strong passion for films, stating that this shared enthusiasm is what led them to collaborate on movie-making.
Three years into their relationship, it was then that they created their first film collaboration – the movie “Life After Beth,” which served as Jeff’s inaugural directorial effort.
Aubrey often preferred to keep her relationship with Jeff private, but she acknowledged that there are certain perks to dating someone else in the entertainment business.
She explained to People magazine in June 2019 that being with someone in the same profession allows for a deeper comprehension, as they intuitively grasp the challenges you face. This understanding, she added, enables mutual support and a shared insight into the paths we’re collectively navigating.
But that’s not to say it doesn’t take its own work.
The alum from Child’s Play shared, “I believe it could be fantastic, but working together often comes with its own set of challenges. There are many aspects we handle independently, and achieving balance is key to making it work.
After ten years as a couple, Aubrey officially announced that she and Jeff got married, sharing a special tribute to him on her social media platform and hinting at the upcoming release of their fourth film titled “Spin Me Round“.
She proudly praised her beloved husband, Jeff Baena, for devising another film set in Italy to stir up more mischief, as she posted in May. Excited to reunite with the talented Alison Brie (who also co-wrote this one!), Superstar, Sordo Ciego, Lauren Weedman, and many other entertaining individuals. Get ready!
Jeff emphasized, following numerous film collaborations with his wife, that he’s not merely her spouse or director; rather, he is her most ardent supporter, her top fan.
He praised her highly on the Reel Talker podcast in 2022, stating, ‘She’s amazing.’ If she wasn’t his wife, he shared, he would enjoy collaborating with her professionally. Fortunately, they are married, and he expressed joy about the unique opportunity to work together creatively, fulfilling both of their passions.
13 years prior to Jeff’s unexpected passing at the age of 47, he and Aubrey collaborated on their fourth and last movie together, titled “Spin Me Round.” Over the course of 14 years, they also produced “The Little Hours ” and she starred in Jeff’s 2016 film named “Joshy“.
Jeff and Aubrey were facing significant issues in their marriage in the months leading up to his death, as reported by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in March 2025. According to a report obtained by TopMob News, police stated that Aubrey admitted they parted ways in September 2024 when she relocated to New York.
As a lifestyle expert looking back, I can share that, following our separation, I maintained contact with my former partner, as detailed in recent reports. According to officials, we had a phone conversation the evening preceding his untimely demise, and approximately three hours prior, I received a text message from him.
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2025-08-19 14:47