Aubrey Plaza recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, in a podcast interview. This marked the first time she addressed her grief in depth since his passing in January.
Baena, a well-known writer and director, died by suicide, leaving Plaza to navigate a profound sorrow. In her conversation with Amy Poehler on the podcast “Good Hang,” she described her grief as a “giant ocean of just awfulness.” It’s always present for her. Sometimes she feels tempted to dive into it, while other times she tries to look away.
Plaza shared a striking analogy. She compared her experience to a scene from the movie “The Gorge,” where characters face a deep chasm surrounded by dangers. “That feels like what my grief is like,” she said.
Since their marriage in 2021, Plaza and Baena collaborated on several projects, including “Life After Beth.” She’s called his death “an unimaginable tragedy” and has made a few public statements since.
During the podcast, Poehler checked in on Plaza’s well-being, and she responded, “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you.” She highlighted the daily struggle of coping but also expressed gratitude for the support she has.
Plaza’s storytelling resonates deeply. Her role in “The White Lotus” has made her a recognizable figure in Hollywood, earning her nominations for major awards. In 2023, Time Magazine honored her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The conversation around mental health is crucial now more than ever. According to a recent report from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues openly.
As Plaza shares her journey, it reminds us all of the significance of reaching out and supporting each other. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support.
