Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Aubrey Plaza Revives Career with Heidi Fleiss Biopic Amid Personal Tragedy

As casting news spread online, fans quickly took to social media to point out the striking physical resemblance between Aubrey and Heidi.

Aubrey Plaza Takes on the Tabloid-Fueled Life of Heidi Fleiss in Biopic

The Hollywood scene is abuzz with the casting news that Aubrey Plaza, known for her sharp wit and sassy charm in TV shows like "Parks and Recreation" and movies like "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," will be bringing the infamous madam Heidi Fleiss to life on screen. The 41-year-old actress has confirmed that she's taking on the role of the former "Hollywood Madam" in the upcoming biopic "The Heidi Fleiss Story."

Aubrey Plaza, who's already proven her acting chops in a wide range of films and TV shows, from comedy to drama, seems thrilled about the challenge of playing the complex and scandalous figure that is Heidi Fleiss. In an exclusive interview with IndieWire, she revealed that she's been fascinated by Fleiss' story for years and can't wait to dive into the role.

This comes after Plaza's husband Baena died earlier this year; seen in 2014

"I've been on this track for a while," Aubrey gushed. "I got it in my head that I wanted to play her a couple of years ago, and I've never played a real-life person before. It's a different kind of scale, challenge, that I'm really excited about, and I just think she's an incredible person, incredible character."

For those who may not be familiar with Heidi Fleiss' story, let us fill you in. The former madam was at the center of a high-profile prostitution scandal in the early 1990s, when she was accused of running an upscale, Los Angeles-based ring that catered to wealthy clients, including celebrities, Hollywood executives, and powerful businessmen. Her empire came crashing down in 1993, when she was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges, including pandering, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Aubrey Plaza is no stranger to playing complex characters, having starred in a wide range of films and TV shows over the years. But taking on the role of Heidi Fleiss presents a unique challenge for her as an actress. "The story is insane," she said. "She's done something that probably nobody else has ever done, and she's still going. I think she's the ultimate bad* icon, and she deserves the royal treatment."

One fan who's clearly excited about the casting news is @HeatherHill on X (formerly Twitter), who wrote: "Wow, she looks eerily similar to Heidi!" And it seems Aubrey Plaza has already started researching her role, having spoken with fans and experts alike. While she hasn't had a chance to meet Heidi Fleiss in person yet, she's been told that the former madam is "very excited" about the project.

Aubrey's also been through some personal struggles of late, following the heartbreaking loss of her husband Jeff Baena earlier this year. In January, it was reported that Baena had taken his own life at their home in New York, with an autopsy report later revealing that he'd been struggling with marital difficulties and had received therapy for mental health issues.

In a statement to TheScholarlyNote.com, Aubrey Plaza's team revealed: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support during this difficult time."

Heidi previously ran an upscale, Los Angeles-based prostitution ring and is often referred to as the Hollywood Madam. Seen in 1993

As Aubrey Plaza prepares to take on the role of Heidi Fleiss in "The Heidi Fleiss Story," fans can't help but wonder what other surprises the biopic will hold. Will it be a wild ride, à la the tabloid-fueled headlines that once dominated the news? One thing's for sure – with Aubrey Plaza at the helm, this film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about movies of the year.

But Here's What You May Not Know...

As fans eagerly await the release of "The Heidi Fleiss Story," they may not realize just how extensive Aubrey Plaza's involvement will be in the project. In addition to starring as Heidi Fleiss, she'll also be producing the film – marking her first major role since her husband's passing.

And Aubrey thinks her story will make for a fascinating movie. The actress explained: 'The story is insane. She's done something that probably nobody else has ever done, and she's still going. I think she's the ultimate bad*** icon and she deserves the royal treatment. We shall give it to her.' Seen in 2003

With a string of critically acclaimed performances under her belt, including roles in Ethan Coen's "Honey Don't" and Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis," Aubrey Plaza has proven herself to be one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses. But taking on the role of Heidi Fleiss will undoubtedly present its own unique set of challenges.

As Aubrey herself put it: "It's a different kind of scale, challenge, that I'm really excited about... The story is insane. She's done something that probably nobody else has ever done, and she's still going." With her signature intensity and dedication to her craft, it's clear that Aubrey Plaza is ready to dive headfirst into the world of Heidi Fleiss.

Aubrey's Journey So Far

With a career spanning over two decades, Aubrey Plaza has proven herself to be one of Hollywood's most talented young actresses. But what drives this fearless performer? According to an interview with NME, Aubrey revealed that she's always been fueled by rejection – and it's precisely this drive that's led her to where she is today.

"I've always been very fuelled by rejection," she said candidly. "It only made me want it more... I think I just had that thing inside of me that's like: 'I wanna be in the club that I'm not in' or whatever that is; 'I want the thing that I don't have.'"

From her breakout role as April Ludgate in "Parks and Recreation" to her critically acclaimed performances in films like "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" and "Black Bear," Aubrey Plaza has consistently pushed herself to new heights – often taking on roles that challenge her as an actress.

The Accompanist: Aubrey's Next Big Project

But with the biopic of Heidi Fleiss now set to hit theaters, fans are naturally wondering what's next for this talented young actress. The answer lies in "The Accompanist," a buzzy indie drama where she'll be starring alongside Susan Sarandon – marking her directorial debut.

As we eagerly await the release of these two projects, one thing's clear: Aubrey Plaza is on fire – and nothing can stop her now!