Aubrey Plaza, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in shows like Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, has always been known for her unique blend of humor, subtlety, and authenticity.
However, in her first public appearance since the heartbreaking loss of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, Plaza showed another side of herself — one marked by love, memory, and a subtle yet meaningful tribute to her late partner.
On Sunday, February 16, Plaza attended the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, which took place at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. It was an emotional moment for many fans, as this marked her first public appearance since Baena's untimely death just over a month earlier. Although Plaza avoided the red carpet, she graced the stage with her presence as she introduced musical performances by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, a gesture that allowed her to stay involved in the festivities while maintaining her privacy during this profoundly difficult time.
A Subtle Yet Powerful Tribute
One of the most poignant moments during her appearance was the outfit she chose to wear, which seemed to carry a hidden message of remembrance. Plaza donned a simple yet elegant ensemble: a pair of black slacks, a black blazer, and, underneath the blazer, a tie-dye shirt. While this combination may seem like a casual fashion choice, the tie-dye shirt was far from coincidental.
The tie-dye pattern carried a deeply personal significance for Plaza. In a previous interview with The Drew Barrymore Show in 2021, Plaza had shared a special memory of her and Baena’s wedding in 2020. During the pandemic lockdown, Baena had developed a passion for tie-dyeing, and in an unexpected yet deeply intimate decision, the couple chose to marry while wearing tie-dye pajamas that Baena had made for them. "Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine," Plaza revealed on the show. "I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us."
By wearing a tie-dye shirt to such a high-profile event, Plaza subtly honored that beautiful, intimate moment shared with her late husband. It was a quiet tribute that allowed her to carry his memory with her while still participating in the world around her. The tie-dye shirt was a connection to the joy and whimsy that defined much of her time with Baena.
But there was another element to Plaza’s look that added another layer of emotional depth — a rosemary crown. While it may seem like a small detail, a rosemary crown is often associated with remembrance, making it a fitting choice for Plaza as she paid her respects to Baena in her own quiet, personal way.
The Tragic Loss of Jeff Baena
Jeff Baena’s sudden death came as a devastating shock to both his family and the broader entertainment community. On January 3, 2025, the Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that Baena, 47, had died by suicide. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from colleagues and friends who remembered Baena as a talented director, writer, and a deeply kind individual.
In the wake of his death, Plaza and Baena's family released a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound grief and loss they were feeling. "This is an unimaginable tragedy," the statement read. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time." Those close to Baena knew him as a man whose creative brilliance had impacted the world of indie cinema, and his death left a void that was felt by many.
Baena’s work as a writer and director earned him a place in the hearts of cinephiles, particularly for his contributions to films such as I Heart Huckabees, which starred Jason Schwartzman and Jude Law. Over the years, Baena and Plaza collaborated on a number of film projects, including the 2014 cult classic Life After Beth and the critically acclaimed The Little Hours (2017), both of which showcased their creative partnership.
In an interview with Newsweek in 2022, Baena reflected on his work with Plaza, praising her exceptional talents and her ability to balance multiple creative roles. "My first movie was a big learning experience on all fronts, and so working with her was a benefit because we have a shorthand and a close relationship," Baena explained. "As I've made more and more stuff, I've come to appreciate everything that she brings. She's insanely talented and so smart and obviously really good at producing. And she's writing. There are very few people who can wear as many hats as her, as elegantly as she does."
Baena and Plaza’s bond extended far beyond the professional realm. They had been together for over a decade, creating a life together that was marked by their shared passion for creativity, humor, and even unconventional moments like their tie-dye wedding. In many ways, Plaza’s appearance at the SNL 50 anniversary special was an opportunity for her to carry forward the love and memories they had built together.
Aubrey Plaza: Continuing Her Journey
Plaza’s presence at the SNL event, despite her profound grief, reflects her resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss. The actress, known for her dry wit and often reserved public persona, has shown in recent weeks that she is also capable of immense tenderness and introspection. Her tribute to Baena during the event was not just about honoring his memory but also about acknowledging the emotional complexities of love and loss.
As Plaza continues to navigate life without Baena by her side, it is clear that her journey forward will be one marked by both grief and the powerful memories of a love that shaped so much of her life. Whether through subtle fashion choices like the tie-dye shirt or through more overt reflections on her time with him, Plaza is finding ways to keep Baena’s memory alive — not just for herself, but for the many who knew and admired him.
The road ahead may not be easy, but with the love and respect she has for Baena, Plaza’s ability to honor him in such a meaningful, understated way speaks volumes about the deep connection they shared and the lasting impact he had on her life and work.
