Aubrey Plaza opens up about husband Jeff Baena's death for the first time
Aubrey Plaza appeared on her former "Parks and Recreation" costar and friend Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast on Aug. 19 to promote her latest film, "Honey Don't!" which lands in theaters on Aug. 22.
The podcast host took a moment at the beginning of the podcast to note how much people have wanted to hear how Plaza is doing after a "terrible, tragic year," with Plaza wryly groaning in discomfort as Poehler held her hand in support.
"Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you," Plaza said. "I'm here and I'm functioning and I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I'm okay, but it's a daily struggle, obviously."
Plaza compared her grief to the 2025 action horror film "The Gorge," in that "it's like at all times there's a giant ocean of just awfulness" that you see or dive into, or try and get away from. "It's just always there, and the monster people are trying to get me like Miles Teller."
The pair later discusses animals, Plaza's childhood and early career, movies and their time on "Parks and Recreation."
"The show felt like a true playground space," Poehler said. "I loved and love working with you. I love playing with you. I love acting with you."
Poehler's most recent guest, prior to Plaza, was also a "Parks and Rec" alum: "Severance" star Adam Scott. "It makes me sad to watch the show because I miss it," he said.
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Plaza, 41, has not publicly commented on Baena's death since she released a joint statement with his family calling the director's death "an unimaginable tragedy" and requesting privacy.
The couple started dating in 2010 and were quietly married in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Jan. 3, 47-year-old Baena was found dead inside his Los Angeles home. The cause of death was later determined to be suicide, and no foul play was suspected.
Baena and Plaza, who were allegedly separated at the time of his death, were also creative collaborators who worked on projects such as the 2014 dark comedy "Life After Beth" and the 2022 rom-com "Spin Me Round."
Poehler ended her podcast encouraging viewers to check out their "beautiful, funny" films together. "He was an incredible writer and director, and his work is really special."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 or chat online any time of day. The Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support when you text 741741.
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