Aubrey Plaza’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Husband Stuns Fans on SNL50

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On a memorable 50th-anniversary episode of Saturday Night Live, Aubrey Plaza graced the stage for the first time since the heartbreaking demise of her spouse, Jeff Baena, in January 2025. During this event, she introduced musical performers Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard who sang “Nothing Compares 2 U.

At the start of Miley and Brittany’s introduction, Plaza donned black trousers, a jacket, and a tie-dye top. Swiftly, admirers identified that she was paying tribute to her deceased spouse through the shirt. The duo had been partners for a decade prior to their 2021 marriage. During an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in December 2021 (as reported by EW), Plaza talked about their wedding and shared that her husband cherished tie-dye clothing.

Impulsively, we decided to get married at 5 in the evening and were wed by 8:30. During the lockdown, Jeff took up tie-dyeing as a hobby, so I thought it would be fun for both of us to wear custom tie-dye pajamas that he made for us.

At the age of 47, Baena tragically passed away at his residence in Los Angeles. Subsequently, Plaza and Baena’s relatives issued a statement.

We’re experiencing an overwhelming loss. We appreciate every bit of help we’ve received so far. Let’s kindly ask for understanding and space as we navigate through this difficult period.

Jeff Baena Was an Independent Writer and Director

Born in Miami in 1977, I attended NYU and earned my degree in film from the Tisch School of the Arts before making a move to Los Angeles. My career started as an assistant for renowned directors Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell. I then collaborated with Russell on co-writing the screenplay for “I Heart Huckabees” (2004). Making my directorial debut, I brought to life the unique rom-com-zom film, “Life After Beth” (2014), starring Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, and John C. Reilly.

After the movie “Life After Beth”, Baena penned and directed the 2016 film “Joshy”. In this movie, Joshy (played by Thomas Middleditch) is a man whose fiancée took her own life, and his friends decide to take him on a cabin trip during what would have been his bachelor party weekend. This comedy-drama was based on a 20-page outline, with Baena giving his mostly comedic cast the freedom to improvise. Plaza was also part of the cast. Following this, Baena directed two films that often collaborated with Alison Brie – “The Little Hours” in 2016 and “Horse Girl” in 2017. In the latter film, Brie not only starred but co-wrote as well.

In addition to that, Baena launched “Cinema Toast” in the year 2021, a series where independent filmmakers reworked public domain films by adding fresh voiceovers and creating entirely new productions out of them. His last project was “Spin Me Round,” released in 2022, which he co-authored with Brie, who also took on the lead role.

Since Baena’s sad demise, Plaza has mostly avoided the limelight. Originally scheduled to appear at the Golden Globes, she wisely chose not to attend due to the circumstances. A commercial for Ritz Crackers starring Plaza was broadcast during the Super Bowl, however, it had been shot back in November. Earlier in her career, Plaza served as an intern on SNL, which is why she made an appearance on SNL50.

If you’re struggling with your mental health or contemplating suicide, know that assistance is readily accessible through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can reach out by dialing 800-273-8255, or if texting is more comfortable for you, chat with them via text as well.

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2025-02-17 23:02