Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Aubrey Plaza Courtside: A Glimpse into Healing after Tragedy

Actor Aubrey Plaza continued to return to the public eye at an WNBA game on Tuesday night

Aubrey Plaza Breaks Her Silence: Actress Opens Up About Husband's Tragic Death and Reveals Heartbreaking Details

It's been a tumultuous eight months for actress Aubrey Plaza, who has finally broken her silence about the devastating loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. The couple's marriage was cut short when Baena took his own life in January at just 47 years old.

But what led to this tragic event? Sources close to the couple revealed that they had been living apart for months prior to Baena's passing, with Plaza even leaving her home in Los Angeles to move to New York. The split was reportedly amicable, but it's clear that the distance took a toll on their relationship.

The Parks and Recreation star was joined by broadway legend Patti LuPone (right)

In a candid conversation with her friend and former "Parks and Rec" co-star Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast, Plaza opened up about her grief, describing it as a daily struggle. She likened her emotional state to a scene from the 2025 sci-fi movie "The Gorge," where two operatives must navigate treacherous terrain while keeping a mysterious evil at bay.

"I feel like I'm always standing on this cliff, looking out at this gorge of awfulness," Plaza explained, her voice trembling with emotion. "Sometimes I want to dive in and just be in it, but other times I try to get away from it. But it's always there."

The conversation marked the first time Plaza had publicly addressed Baena's death, following a brief statement released through a representative in January that read: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."

Plaza's husband Jeff Baena died by suicide aged 47 in January, after which it was revealed they had split four months before his death (the couple in 2017)

But what was left unsaid until now? In March, it was revealed that Plaza and Baena had split four months before his death, with the couple's separation marked by a series of distressing events.

An LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by thescholarlynote.com detailed how Baena had been experiencing "marital difficulties" in the months leading up to his passing. The report also revealed that Plaza had been concerned for her husband's wellbeing, having called a friend to perform a welfare check on him after he made concerning remarks in October 2024.

Baena had reportedly been attending therapy sessions since this incident, but it seems that the support was not enough to prevent his tragic fate. The autopsy report confirmed that Baena did not have any substances in his system at the time of his death and that he had even sent a text message to Plaza just hours before being found.

Plaza has detailed her grief in her first interview since her Baena's tragic death earlier this year, as she appeared with on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast this week

The news of Baena's passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many paying tribute to the talented filmmaker on social media. But for Plaza, it marked the beginning of an unimaginable journey, navigating the treacherous terrain of grief and trying to make sense of her husband's tragic decision.

In a rare public appearance just hours after speaking with Poehler, Plaza was spotted courtside at a WNBA game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Flanked by her close friend and Broadway legend Patti LuPone, the actress cut a casual figure in athletic shorts and an oversized t-shirt, a stark contrast to the emotional weight she's been carrying since Baena's passing.

The pair's friendship was forged while working on the hit Marvel series "Agatha All Along," with Plaza even briefly moving in with LuPone during her time on stage. And it seems that their bond has only grown stronger since Baena's death, providing a much-needed support system for the grieving actress.

They had been separated since September 2024, an LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by DailyMail.com revealed; pictured in 2016

As Plaza continues to navigate this dark chapter of her life, fans can't help but wonder what lies ahead for the talented actress. Will she find solace in her work? Will she be able to rebuild and move forward? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Aubrey Plaza's journey through grief has only just begun.

Aubrey Plaza's Recent Appearances

  • Spotted courtside at a WNBA game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx
  • Joined her close friend Patti LuPone for the evening event
  • Made rare public appearance just hours after speaking with Amy Poehler on Good Hang podcast

Jeff Baena's Tragic Death

  • Took his own life in January at 47 years old
  • Had been experiencing marital difficulties and had split from Plaza four months prior to his passing
  • Was found by a dog walker who discovered his body after hearing loud music coming from his home

Aubrey Plaza's Grief

  • Described her emotional state as a "daily struggle" in conversation with Amy Poehler
  • Likened her grief to a scene from the 2025 sci-fi movie "The Gorge"
  • Revealed that she had been concerned for Baena's wellbeing and had called a friend to perform a welfare check on him after he made concerning remarks

Patti LuPone and Aubrey Plaza's Friendship

  • Formed while working on the hit Marvel series "Agatha All Along"
  • Moved in with LuPone during her time on stage
  • Provided support for Plaza following Baena's death