Actor Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time about the loss of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January at the age of 47.
The Parks and Recreation star opened up about her grief during an emotional conversation with her former co-star Amy Poehler on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler. Plaza described her struggle since Baena’s passing as a daily challenge.
“Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning. It’s like a daily struggle, obviously,” Plaza told Poehler.
Plaza compared her grief to the 2025 sci-fi horror film The Gorge, saying it feels like living with a constant presence of sadness. “At all times there’s like a giant ocean of just awfulness,” she explained. “It’s just always there and the monster people are trying to get me.”
Plaza and Baena had been together for over a decade before marrying in 2021. The couple wed on their tenth anniversary in an intimate backyard ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Plaza previously described as spontaneous while appearing on The Ellen Show.
After Baena’s death, Plaza and his family released a joint statement calling the loss “an unimaginable tragedy.” The message also expressed gratitude to those who offered support while requesting privacy.
During the podcast, Plaza reflected on how her emotions shift from day to day. “Some days, I feel stronger than others,” she said, adding, “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you.”
The actor’s openness highlights the personal toll of grief and the importance of support during times of loss.
For anyone struggling with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached by calling or texting 988. Online chat support is also available. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine provides resources and assistance Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by emailing info@nami.org
.
Entertainment
Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty After Los Angeles Naked Arrest
Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges following a bizarre early-morning arrest in Los Angeles.
Court Halts Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia Amid Legal Battle
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, has been taken into U.S.
Emily in Paris Assistant Director Diego Borella Dies at 47 in Venice
A member of the production team for the Netflix hit series Emily in Paris has died suddenly while filming in Venice for the show’s fifth season.
Parole Denied for Erik Menendez 36 Years After Parents’ Murders
Erik Menendez has been denied parole more than three decades after he and his brother Lyle killed their parents inside the family’s Beverly Hills mansion.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Welcome Their First Baby Girl
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have announced the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, marking a new chapter in their young marriage.
Pope Leo Declares August 22 a Day of Prayer for Peace
Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to dedicate August 22 to prayer and fasting, urging the faithful to seek peace in conflict-ridden regions and to embrace what he described as a “disarmed and disarming peace.” The Pope made the appeal during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, where he once again turned his attention to the ongoing wars affecting many parts of the world.
BBNaija S10: Zita Wins HoH, Puts Housemates Up for Eviction
Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Zita has taken control of the house after winning the Head of House (HoH) challenge on Monday, replacing Doris who had only secured the title a day earlier.
Terence Stamp, ‘Superman’ Villain and Acclaimed Actor, Dies at 87
British actor Terence Stamp, best known for playing the villainous General Zod in the Superman films, has died at the age of 87.
Paul Afoko Pays Tribute to Late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III
Awentami Paul Afoko has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, whose passing on August 11, 2025, has plunged Ghana into mourning.
Taylor Swift Unveils New Album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’
Taylor Swift has officially revealed her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, after weeks of fan speculation.
Cristiano Ronaldo Engaged to Partner Georgina Rodríguez After Nine Years
Cristiano Ronaldo is engaged to his long-term partner Georgina Rodríguez, marking a new milestone in their nine-year relationship.
Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell Dies at Age 97
NASA astronaut Jim Lovell, best known as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97.
Gina Carano Reaches Settlement With Disney Over Mandalorian Exit
Gina Carano has reached a legal settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm after being removed from The Mandalorian series in 2021.
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex, Dies at 48 From Cancer
Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson and a longtime talent manager, has died from cancer at the age of 48.
Davido and Chioma Arrive in Miami Ahead of Lavish White Wedding
Afrobeats superstar Davido and his wife Chioma have landed in Miami for their long-anticipated white wedding ceremony, sparking a wave of excitement online and among fans worldwide.