More than a month after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza stepped into the public eye for the first time since his passing. The actress, known for her sharp wit and dry humor, made an appearance at the highly anticipated SNL50: The Anniversary Special event in New York City on Sunday, February 16. Her attendance at the milestone event marked a significant moment, as she had remained out of the public spotlight since Baena’s untimely death at the age of 47, which occurred six weeks ago.
A Quiet Yet Poignant Presence
While Aubrey Plaza was present at the star-studded occasion, she notably opted to forgo the traditional red carpet pre-show, choosing instead to keep a lower profile. Inside the venue, she took on an important role, stepping onto the grand stage to introduce the evening’s musical guests—Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard. Her presence was met with a warm reception from the audience, many of whom were aware of her recent personal tragedy.
Dressed in an elegant yet understated ensemble, Plaza chose to wear classic black dress pants paired with a black blazer and a simple tee underneath. Her choice of attire reflected both sophistication and somberness, subtly acknowledging the grief she continues to navigate in the wake of her husband‘s passing.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s Relationship
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena shared a deeply personal and long-standing relationship, having begun dating in 2011 before tying the knot in 2021. Baena was an accomplished writer and director, known for his unique storytelling and unconventional filmmaking style. Over the years, his notable works included I Heart Huckabees (2004), Life After Beth (2014)—a film in which Plaza starred—Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022), the latter being his final directorial project.
Tragic Loss and Industry Shock
The devastating news of Baena’s death emerged on January 3, when an assistant reportedly discovered his body at a home in the Los Angeles area around 10:30 a.m. local time. According to a report from TMZ, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner later determined that the cause of death was suicide, sending shockwaves through the film industry and among those who knew and admired him.
In the days following the tragedy, Plaza and Baena’s family released a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE on January 6, expressing their profound sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and friends alike. The statement read: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
A Private Farewell
On January 10, loved ones gathered in Miami to honor Baena’s life at a private funeral service. Friends, family, and industry colleagues came together to pay tribute to the late filmmaker, celebrating his legacy, creative vision, and the deep connections he fostered throughout his life.
An obituary published in the Miami Herald painted a touching picture of Baena, describing him as “a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many.” The piece highlighted his warmth, generosity, and his ability to bring people together, both in his personal life and on film sets. It went on to reflect on one of Baena’s favorite childhood books, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, noting a poignant quote that seemed to resonate deeply with his journey: “I haven’t much time. I have friends to find and so many things to learn.”
The obituary concluded with a heartfelt message from his loved ones, who expressed their deep sorrow at his passing: “We shall always love and deeply miss Jeff. His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had lots more to offer. Alas, all that is gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”
Moving Forward While Honoring His Memory
As Aubrey Plaza continues to grieve and process this profound loss, her return to the public eye serves as a testament to her strength. While the pain of losing Baena is undoubtedly immense, her decision to participate in such a high-profile event suggests that she is finding ways to honor his memory while slowly stepping forward. Fans and supporters alike remain hopeful that she will continue to find solace in the love and support that surrounds her.
