Actor Aubrey Plaza recently shared her emotional journey following the tragic death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, on a podcast hosted by her former “Parks and Recreation” co-star, Amy Poehler. Baena, known for his work on films like “I Heart Huckabees” and “The Little Hours,” passed away at 47 in January, with his death confirmed as a suicide.
During the podcast interview, Poehler expressed concern for Plaza’s well-being, acknowledging the challenging year she has endured. Plaza, while acknowledging the daily struggle of coping with grief, expressed gratitude for being able to navigate through life despite the pain.
Drawing a poignant analogy, Plaza likened her grief to a scene from the movie “The Gorge,” where a pit of darkness and monsters is surrounded by towering cliffs. She described feeling constantly aware of the overwhelming sadness, sometimes wanting to immerse herself in it, other times trying to distance herself from it, yet always feeling its looming presence.
The conversation between Plaza and Poehler also touched on lighter topics, reminiscing about their early days and shared experiences. Towards the end of the podcast, Poehler revisited the discussion on coping mechanisms, prompting Plaza to highlight the importance of laughter and the support she receives from her close-knit group of friends in her improv group, Bombardo.
Plaza, who joined the podcast to discuss her latest film “Honey Don’t!” directed by Ethan Coen, reflected on the project as her first film since Baena’s passing. Known for her diverse roles in projects like “Agatha All Along,” “My Old Ass,” and “Megalopolis,” Plaza and Baena had a strong collaborative relationship in the film industry, with Plaza featuring in several of Baena’s directorial works.
In a previous interview, Baena had expressed admiration for Plaza’s talent and their creative partnership, emphasizing the joy of working together on projects that fulfilled them both. Plaza’s resilience and commitment to her craft shine through as she navigates the complexities of grief while continuing to pursue her passion for acting.
For those in need of support, resources like the Suicide Crisis Helpline and Kids Help Phone are available to provide assistance during difficult times. It is essential to reach out for help and engage in open conversations about mental health and well-being to promote healing and resilience.