NActress Aubrey Plaza emerged from a prolonged period of public silence to share a profoundly emotional reflection about her grief. On August 19, she made her first in-depth media appearance since the tragic death of her husband, writer-director Jeff Baena, in January. This appearance took place on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler hosted by her longtime friend and Parks and Recreation co-star providing a quiet but powerful entry back into public conversation.
Grief as a Daily Struggle—and a Living Metaphor
In a heartfelt moment, Poehler asked Plaza how she was doing. She replied, “Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning… I think I’m OK, but it’s like a daily struggle.”
Plaza then used a powerful metaphor drawn from the sci-fi horror film The Gorge to describe her grief:
“There’s a giant ocean of awfulness… Sometimes I just want to dive into it… Sometimes I try to get away from it, but it’s always there.”
This imagery captures how grief can feel simultaneously tangible and inescapable—like a chasm filled with unseen monsters, poised to engulf you at any moment.
Remembering Jeff Baena: A Quiet Creative Partnership
Jeff Baena, age 47, died by suicide at his Los Angeles home on January 3, 2025. The couple shared a two-decade relationship and were married in 2021. Plaza starred in several of Baena’s films, including Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Spin Me Round. After his passing, Plaza and Baena’s family issued a joint statement calling the loss “an unimaginable tragedy” and requesting privacy during their time of grief.
Quiet Visibility, Deep Support
Plaza had largely avoided the public eye following her husband’s death. But she quietly made appearances—like at SNL50, where she wore tie-dye in homage to Baena, and at the Cannes premiere of her new film Honey Don’t! During her podcast appearance, she also expressed gratitude for her support system: her dog “Frankie” serving as her therapy companion, and friends who remain close through texts, Zoom calls, and laughter—small lifelines amid sorrow.
Public Resonance and Empathy
Plaza’s emotional candor resonated deeply with audiences. On social media, fans praised her vulnerability and the accuracy of her grief metaphor. One Reddit commenter reflected:
“’At all times there’s like a giant ocean of awfulness… sometimes I just want to dive into it… it’s always there.’ That’s exactly it.”
Such responses reflect how universal and connective her words were—providing both solace and validation to those grappling with loss.
A Glimpse into Healing
Aubrey Plaza’s willingness to speak openly about the complexities of grief—her ongoing struggle to function, her moments of gratitude, and her use of metaphor—offers a rare glimpse into the healing process. Her story emphasizes that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, but with support, resilience, and honesty, a path forward remains possible.
Conclusion: Honoring Love, Embracing Resilience
Aubrey Plaza’s openness about her grief reminds us that even in the midst of success and public admiration, loss can bring life to a halt. Her willingness to describe the darkness she faces daily not only honors the love she shared with Jeff Baena but also gives others permission to acknowledge their own pain. While grief may always feel like an “ocean of awfulness,” Plaza’s story shows that with honesty, support, and compassion, it is possible to keep moving forward—one day, and one breath, at a time.
