For the first time since the heartbreaking loss of her husband Jeff Baena earlier this year, Aubrey Plaza has shared her emotions publicly.
Speaking with close friend Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast, the actress gave an honest look into how she has been coping with grief after what has been one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
A Tragic Loss That Shook Her World
Baena, a filmmaker whom Aubrey married in 2021, died by suicide in January at just 47 years old.
What made the tragedy even more complicated was the later revelation that the couple had secretly separated four months before his death.
Despite their distance at the time, his passing left Aubrey devastated.
Sharing Her Heart with Amy Poehler
During the podcast, Amy gently acknowledged her friend’s painful year, telling listeners that people were eager to see how Aubrey was doing.
When asked directly about her feelings, Aubrey explained:
“Right in this moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, I’m here, I’m functioning, and I feel grateful to be moving through the world.
I think I’m okay—but it’s a daily struggle.”
Finding Words for Grief
Aubrey went on to describe her grief in a unique way, comparing it to a scene from the sci-fi movie The Gorge.
She explained how the film shows a canyon filled with monsters between two cliffs, saying that’s what grief feels like to her—an ever-present ocean of darkness nearby.
“Sometimes I just want to dive into it,” she admitted.
“Other times I just stand back and look at it, or try to escape it. But it’s always there.”
First Real Conversation Since the Loss
While Aubrey had released a short statement through a representative in January asking for privacy, her conversation with Amy marked the first time she personally opened up about the depth of her pain.
Back then, she had called Baena’s death “an unimaginable tragedy” and thanked people for their support.
The Details Behind the Separation
In March, an LA County Medical Examiner’s report revealed that Aubrey and Jeff had separated in September 2024, months before his death.
The report noted that Jeff had been struggling with marital difficulties, was undergoing therapy, and that Aubrey had even spoken to him the night before he passed.
Tragically, it also highlighted her concerns for his wellbeing in those final days—concerns that, sadly, turned out to be justified.
What’s Next for Aubrey Plaza?
After such a painful chapter, Aubrey seems determined to move forward, even as she carries her grief.
For now, she is focusing on healing, surrounding herself with friends like Amy Poehler, and finding ways to keep living despite the shadows of loss.
