Actor Aubrey Plaza opens up about grief after death of her husband: "It's like a daily struggle"
Aubrey Plaza: Grief After Jeff Baena’s DeathOn her podcast episode titled “Beyond the Grief,” Amy Poehler shared personal reflections about her husband, Jeff Baena, who died in January 2023. In an interview, Aubrey Plaza opened with a quote from another segment:
*”It's like a daily struggle.”*
She explained that after Jeff Baena’s death, she was left without support and the burden of losing her husband. As a former professional athlete and spokesperson for her accounting firm, Aubrey had been coping with this emotional trauma for years. “I’ve dealt with so many things,” she said, adding that when people reach out to her about their grief, it’s hard but often comforting.
Jeff Baena was an integral part of the characters in *Parks and Recreation*, a show that became a global phenomenon during his tenure as a law professor at a large accounting firm. The actor and comedian met on set after working together for years. But when Jeff Baena’s health began to fail around January 2023, he left the team, causing a shock to both his fans and the audience of *Parks and Recreation*. Aubrey was especially affected by his decision to leave the firm that had brought her so much fame.
Jeff Baena was known for his deep-rooted relationships. He played a key role in a case involving racial issues that shaped the show, but those connections became strained when he left the team. Aubrey recalled specific moments of his departure—her voice trembling as she heard him open up about his health and decisions. “He always told me I’d be okay,” she said, adding that her family had been emotionally devastated by his passing.
When Jeff Baena passed away on January 29, 2023, Aubrey was left with a sense of loss and emotional depth. She expressed the same struggles that fans like Amy Poehler and her supporters experienced: the constant pressure to provide for her family while also dealing with the weight of losing one’s spouse.
Aubrey opened the podcast with an encouraging statement, acknowledging that grief is normal but challenging. “It doesn’t have to be a burden,” she said, offering listeners a way to cope. She reflected on her own journey: “I’ve had days where I think about what would have happened if things had gone differently.” Her words were a reminder of how deeply she was affected by the loss.
As Aubrey continues to grieve, she sees personal and professional growth in her relationship with Jeff Baena. The actors share stories that remind us of the human bonds we can still form even after significant life changes. “It’s easy to let go,” she said, “but sometimes it’s also hard to stop looking for the next chapter.”
Aubrey Plaza’s journey is an example of how grief and loss can be deeply personal and meaningful, even in the most challenging times. Her reflections on her husband’s passing serve as a reminder that healing takes time, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
------
