Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Grieving Her Husband’s Death

Actress Aubrey Plaza recently shared her emotional journey through grief following the tragic loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January at age 47. Speaking on a podcast, she revealed the daily challenges she faces while coping with this profound loss.

During the interview, Plaza expressed her current state, noting she feels a sense of happiness to be present and functioning, though she describes her grief as a constant, ocean-like presence that she navigates daily. She compared her mourning process to the movie The Gorge, where two snipers guard an abyss they are unaware of, symbolizing the ever-present, overwhelming sadness she experiences.

She also shared that she and Baena had separated months before his death, with Plaza moving to New York in September 2024. Despite their separation, she described their relationship as meaningful, and she paid tribute to him publicly, including a heartfelt appearance at a recent anniversary event.

In a joint statement, Plaza and Baena’s family expressed that his death was “an unimaginable tragedy” and requested privacy during this difficult period. Plaza made her first public appearance since his passing at a special event, wearing a tie-dye shirt as a tribute to her late partner.

If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to this story, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.