Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About the “Horror” of Life After Husband Jeff Baena’s Tragic Death
In Hollywood, where the spotlight shines bright and fans assume success shields celebrities from pain, stories of loss remind us that grief does not spare anyone. That truth became painfully real for actress Aubrey Plaza, who recently broke her silence about the devastating death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, in early 2025
The Shock of Jeff Baena’s Passing
Jeff Baena, known for directing and writing acclaimed indie films such as Life After Beth and Horse Girl, passed away unexpectedly in January 2025 at the age of 47. His death left the film industry and fans in shock, but no one felt the loss more deeply than Aubrey Plaza, his longtime partner and wife since 2021
The family described the tragedy as “indescribable” in a short statement, asking the media to respect their privacy. For Plaza, however, the loss marked the start of a painful new reality.
Aubrey Plaza Describes Grief as “an Ocean of Horror”
In an emotional conversation on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, Plaza gave a brutally honest account of how she has been coping
She explained
“Grief feels like an ocean of horror that’s always around you. You can see it, you can feel it, and it never goes away.”
“Some days I swim in it, other days I try to breathe above it—but it’s always there.”
Her words resonated deeply with fans, showing that even the strongest public figures struggle with the same raw emotions as everyone else
Finding Support Through Friendship
A Love Story That Endured
Plaza and Baena’s love story began in 2011. Over the years, their creative and personal bond grew stronger. They worked together on multiple projects, and eventually tied the knot in 2021 in a quiet ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic
Although the couple reportedly separated amicably in September 2024, Plaza’s grief makes it clear that her love and respect for Baena remained powerful until the end
Honoring Jeff Baena in Her First Public Appearance
Plaza’s first appearance after the tragedy was at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special. She wore a colorful tie-dye shirt—a style Baena loved—turning her outfit into a subtle tribute to him. Fans immediately recognized the symbolism, praising her for carrying his memory into the spotlight
Beyond the Grief: Aubrey Plaza’s Career Resilience
Even in the shadow of personal loss, Aubrey Plaza continues to shine professionally. She received critical acclaim for her performance in HBO’s The White Lotus, as well as in the indie hit Emily the Criminal. These roles not only showcased her versatility but also highlighted her ability to transform pain into powerful art
Humanity Behind the Fame
Plaza’s story serves as a reminder that celebrities, despite their glamorous lives, face the same heartbreak and struggles as everyone else. Her openness about grief sheds light on the universal reality of loss—and the courage it takes to move forward
The tragedy of Jeff Baena’s death has reshaped Aubrey Plaza’s life forever. Yet her decision to speak openly about her grief shows resilience and vulnerability in equal measure. By sharing her journey, she has given fans not only a glimpse into her personal pain but also a message of hope: that even when life feels unbearable, it is possible to keep going.