In a deeply moving interview on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, actress Aubrey Plaza spoke publicly for the first time about the tragic death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47.
Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus, and Emily the Criminal, described the experience of grief as a “daily struggle,” offering a rare and vulnerable glimpse into her emotional world.
🌊 “A Giant Ocean of Awfulness”: Plaza’s Poetic Description of Grief
Plaza likened her grief to the 2025 sci-fi film The Gorge, starring Miles Teller. In the movie, two characters are trapped between cliffs with a gorge full of monsters below. Plaza said:
“At all times, there’s like a giant ocean of awfulness that’s right there, and I can see it. Sometimes I just want to dive into it and just be in it. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But it’s always there.”
Her analogy struck a chord with listeners and quickly went viral, with fans and mental health advocates praising her honesty and poetic expression.
🐾 Finding Comfort in Companionship
During the podcast, Poehler noted that Plaza’s dog, Frankie, had become a “therapy dog” during her grieving process. Plaza acknowledged the comfort of companionship, saying she felt “grateful to be moving through the world” despite the pain.
💍 A Love Story Cut Short
Plaza and Baena met in 2011 and married in 2021 in a spontaneous backyard ceremony during the pandemic. Though they had reportedly separated months before his death, Plaza described their relationship as deeply meaningful and creatively fulfilling.
🧠 Why This Interview Matters
Plaza’s openness about grief and mental health is a powerful reminder that even public figures face profound emotional challenges. Her words offer validation and solidarity to those navigating loss, especially in the wake of suicide.
