Aubrey Plaza makes first public appearance since husband Jeff Baena's death
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Aubrey Plaza stepped into the public eye for the first time since the tragic passing of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena.
The 40-year-old actress attended the SNL50: The Anniversary Special event in New York City on Sunday, February 16, where she introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard. Plaza, however, skipped the red carpet ahead of the event.
Baena, known for films such as I Heart Huckabees (2004), Life After Beth (2014), Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022), was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home on January 3, 2025. According to TMZ, his body was discovered by an assistant and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner later ruled his death a suicide.
Plaza and Baena had been together for over a decade, starting their relationship in 2011 before tying the knot in 2021. Following his passing, Plaza and Baena's family released a statement to PEOPLE on January 6, saying:
"This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
A funeral service was held for Baena in Miami on January 10, where loved ones gathered to honor his memory. An obituary published in the Miami Herald described him as "a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many." It highlighted his passion for storytelling and his ability to bring people together, both on and off movie sets.
The obituary also referenced Baena's childhood love for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, noting the poignant words from the book:
"Ironically, in it, the Little Prince exclaims, 'I haven't much time. I have friends to find and so many things to learn.' And so it was for Jeff."
Concluding with a heartfelt tribute, the obituary read:
"We shall always love and deeply miss Jeff. His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had lots more to offer. Alas, all that is gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince."
At the SNL50 event, Plaza appeared somber yet composed, dressed in black dress pants, a black blazer, and a simple tee underneath. While she did not address Baena's passing during the event, her quiet return to the spotlight marked a significant moment following weeks of mourning.
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