Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Aubrey Plaza to Portray Infamous Heidi Fleiss: Fans See a 'Similar' Look

Aubrey Plaza is stepping back into the spotlight with a daring new project: The Heidi Fleiss Story, a biopic centered on the rise and fall of the notorious 1990s 'Hollywood Madam'

Aubrey Plaza Dives into Dark Biopic: The Heidi Fleiss Story

Get ready for a tantalizing tale of excess, power, and scandal! Aubrey Plaza is set to take on the role of a lifetime in The Heidi Fleiss Story, a biopic that promises to dish out all the juicy details of the infamous "Hollywood Madam's" rise and fall. This is not just any story - it's a wild ride into the world of high-stakes prostitution, celebrity secrets, and corruption.

Aubrey Plaza, known for her intense performances in The White Lotus and My Old Ass, will star as Heidi Fleiss in this daring new project. Not only is she leading the film, but she's also producing - marking a major comeback after the devastating loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, who tragically took his own life on January 3.

The film dives into the chaotic final days before Fleiss' 1993 downfall, when her high-powered prostitution ring ¿ said to have serviced some of L.A.¿s biggest names ¿ was exposed; (Fleiss in 1993)

But what's behind Plaza's decision to tackle such a complex and scandalous role? Sources close to the actress reveal that she's been fascinated by Fleiss' story for years, drawn in by the tantalizing blend of glamour, power, and darkness. "Aubrey is intrigued by Heidi's ability to weave a web of influence and manipulation," a friend reveals. "She wants to explore the psychology behind it all - why did Heidi push the boundaries so far?"

The Heidi Fleiss Story delves into the chaotic final days before Fleiss' 1993 downfall, when her high-powered prostitution ring was exposed. The film will follow Heidi's desperate attempts to spin her web of influence one last time, leveraging secrets and connections to escape prison time. But with authorities closing in, Heidi becomes increasingly reckless - putting everything at risk.

The twisted tale is set to be told with a darkly comic edge, marking the feature directing debut of Leah Rachel (Chambers). The script was co-written by Rachel, Travis Jackson, and rising star Rachel Sennott (Bottoms and Shiva Baby), promising a unique blend of humor and drama.

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

But what's truly fascinating is the striking physical resemblance between Aubrey Plaza and Heidi Fleiss. Fans have been quick to point out the eerie similarity on social media - with one fan exclaiming, "Wow, she looks eerily similar to Heidi!" It's as if Plaza has stepped right into the shoes of her character.

So who was Heidi Fleiss? A mastermind of manipulation or a victim of circumstance? In the early 1990s, Fleiss rose to infamy when she was revealed to be running a high-end prostitution ring in Los Angeles. Her client list allegedly included A-list names - though many identities were never publicly confirmed.

As prosecutors accused her of laundering over $1.5 million through shell companies and false bookkeeping, Fleiss' empire came crashing down in June 1993. During her sensational trial, salacious details emerged about her client list, fueling widespread fan frenzy.

'Wow, she looks eerily similar to Heidi,' one fan wrote on X

But behind the scenes, a more complex story unfolded. According to an autopsy report obtained by The Scholarly Note.com, Jeff Baena had been struggling with marital difficulties and mental health issues in the months leading up to his death. Plaza had spoken to Baena on the night before he died, and even voiced concern for his well-being.

Aubrey Plaza's decision to tackle this role is not just a bold move - it's also a testament to her dedication to telling complex stories. As she prepares to take on the iconic role of Heidi Fleiss, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a wild ride into the world of power, corruption, and excess.

But don't expect Plaza to shy away from the darker aspects of Fleiss' story. In an interview with The Scholarly Note.com, the actress revealed her willingness to explore the more troubled side of human nature: "I think we're all capable of darkness and light," she said. "Heidi's story is a reminder that even in the most glamorous worlds, there's often a darker truth lurking beneath."

Fleiss¿s empire came crashing down in June 1993, when she was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges including pandering, tax evasion, and money laundering, with prosecutors accusing her of laundering over $1.5 million through shell companies and false bookkeeping; (seen in 2003)

With The Heidi Fleiss Story, Aubrey Plaza is set to dive headfirst into the world of scandal and excess. Will she be able to bring this complex character to life? One thing's for sure - fans are eagerly awaiting the ride.

Aubrey Plaza's Upcoming Projects:

  • The Accompanist: Starring alongside Susan Sarandon in a buzzy indie drama marking the directorial debut of The Office alum Zack Woods.
  • Honey Don't: A critically praised performance in Ethan Coen’s latest film.
  • Megalopolis: Francis Ford Coppola's epic drama.

Plaza and Baena had been separated since September 2024, an LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by DailyMail.com revealed; (seen in 2014)

Jeff Baena:

Baena, who graduated with a film degree from New York University, got hands-on experience working as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and an assistant editor for David O. Russell. A representative for Plaza said in a statement after his passing: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."