In a heartfelt conversation on the podcast “Good Hang,” hosted by her fellow “Parks and Recreation” star, Amy Poehler, actress Aubrey Plaza opened up about her ongoing struggle with grief following the tragic death of her husband, Jeff Baena. The emotional discussion shed light on the “daily struggles” she faces as she navigates life without him.
Plaza expressed her resilience during the interview, stating, “I feel happy to be with you. I’m here and I’m functioning and I feel, you know, I feel really grateful to be moving through this world.” Her words reflect a deep appreciation for life, even amidst profound loss.
Jeff Baena, an acclaimed independent filmmaker, passed away by suicide in January. The couple, who tied the knot in 2021, shared a rich creative partnership, collaborating on several notable films such as “Spin Me Around,” “The Little Hours,” and “Life After Beth.” Plaza’s heartfelt reflections on their relationship highlight the deep bond they shared both personally and professionally.
During the podcast, Plaza drew a poignant analogy between her grieving process and the recent film “The Gorge,” starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. She described the film's imagery of a gorge filled with “monster people” to illustrate her feelings about grief. “In the movie, there’s a cliff on one side and then there’s a cliff on the other side and then there’s like a gorge in between,” she explained. “There’s like a giant ocean of just awfulness that’s right there and I can see it.”
Plaza’s metaphor conveys the overwhelming nature of grief—how it can feel both inescapable and consuming. “Sometimes I just want to dive into it and just be in it. And sometimes I just look at it. And sometimes I’m just trying to get away from it, but it’s always there. It’s just always there,” she added, highlighting the persistent presence of her sorrow.
Aubrey Plaza’s candid insights into her grieving journey resonate with many who have experienced similar losses. Her ability to articulate the complexities of grief while expressing gratitude for life offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. As she continues to navigate her healing process, Plaza remains an inspiring figure, demonstrating that even in the depths of sorrow, one can find moments of clarity and appreciation.
For those seeking to understand grief or support loved ones through similar experiences, Plaza’s openness provides a comforting reminder that healing is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it is also a path where gratitude can coexist with pain.
