Sophia Michaels
Aubrey Plaza, known for her role in “Parks and Recreation,” embodies a unique brand of humor that often masks deeper struggles in her life. One of her challenging experiences occurred during the filming of “Black Bear,” a psychological thriller where she plays an actress dealing with intense mental struggles imposed by her husband, who is also the director. The role had a significant impact on her, leading Plaza to comment on the demanding nature of the process, declaring that it was more exhausting than she had anticipated while sharing her insights with The Independent. The ordeal left her feeling emotionally drained and depleted.
“Black Bear” is just one instance of how Plaza has poured herself into her roles, a pattern evident in previous works like “Ingrid Goes West” and “The Little Hours.” In an interview with Salon, she mentioned her attraction to complex characters that resonate with her own life’s intricacies, often leaning towards comic or villainous roles. Her personal experiences have mirrored some of the tragedies she portrays, making her approach to acting profoundly layered.
Challenges Regarding Her Ethnic Identity
Aubrey Plaza brings a rich heritage to her identity, being of Puerto Rican and Irish descent. According to a 2023 analysis using 23 and Me, Plaza revealed she is “30% or 31% Irish” and “34% Iberian” among other ancestries, as noted in a Wired article. Despite her pride in her diverse background, she faced skepticism growing up, particularly during her school years. Plaza recounted receiving awards that she felt undeserving of while speaking with Latina Magazine in 2014, as classmates would challenge her achievements based on her ethnic background.
Throughout her career, Plaza has navigated the complexities of her ethnicity, often feeling her dual identity as half Puerto Rican goes unnoticed. In a conversation with Time in 2024, she expressed her desire for greater recognition, stating that she strives to incorporate her heritage into her work and challenge the stereotype of Latina characters often being labeled in simplistic ways.
Struggles with Social Media
While Aubrey Plaza often trends online, she does not find joy in the social media aspect of her fame. In an interview with The New Yorker, she shared her thoughts on the online buzz surrounding her show “The White Lotus,” explaining that the heightened activity on her phone was overwhelming, yet she usually prefers to detach from the internet, as it often brings her down.
In a previously archived discussion with The A.V. Club, Plaza elaborated on her mixed feelings regarding social media. Although she sometimes enjoys engaging with it as a connection tool, she also acknowledges it can lead to feelings of inadequacy. The negative aspects of social media have caused her to grapple with self-worth issues, and she confessed that she struggles with how to manage these feelings.
Aubrey Plaza’s Battle with Mental Health
Aubrey Plaza has candidly discussed her family’s challenges with mental health as well as her personal experiences. Notably, she battles social anxiety. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, she stated, “I’m more socially anxious and introverted than people might realize.” She emphasized her own insecurities and how she copes through bold actions, asserting her desire to remain authentic.
Moreover, during a conversation with Relevant Magazine in 2018, she admitted, “I struggle just like everyone else with anxiety and depression. Relaxing is hard for me.” She voiced her concerns about the negativity prevalent in the entertainment industry, particularly on movie sets, which can quickly turn chaotic.
On promotional activities, Plaza expressed mixed feelings: while she is grateful for the interest in her work, she struggled with negativity in the past and acknowledged her complex feelings towards this aspect of her profession.
Aubrey Plaza’s Stroke Experience
At just 20 years old, while attending college, Aubrey Plaza suffered a stroke. In a revealing 2017 NPR interview, she detailed the incident, describing how it struck suddenly while she was speaking with friends. Plaza recalled being unable to talk due to a blood clot affecting her brain’s language center and the chaos that ensued, leading to her hospitalization.
Reflecting on her stroke in a 2024 appearance on “The Howard Stern Show”, she shared how terrifying the experience was, revealing that she briefly lost her motor skills and even her ability to speak, despite being aware of everything around her. This profound realization, she noted, highlighted a separation between her identity and her brain’s functionality during the incident.
Aubrey Plaza’s Loss
Aubrey Plaza faced an unimaginable loss in early 2025 with the tragic passing of her husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide. Baena was a respected writer and director, and the couple had been married since 2021. The details surrounding his death remain undisclosed.
Baena and Plaza had a collaborative relationship, having worked on several projects together. During an interview discussing “The Little Hours,” Plaza shared the depth of their partnership and her involvement in Baena’s films.
As of now, Plaza has not publicly addressed her husband’s death, but a statement was released by her and Baena’s family thanking supporters and requesting privacy during this difficult time. They described the event as an “unimaginable tragedy”. Plaza’s absence from the Golden Globes in January 2025 indicates the profound impact of her loss on her life and career.
