Aubrey Plaza, the 41-year-old actress best known for her role on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” got honest recently on Amy Poehler’s podcast. She was honest and raw about her own feelings of mourning and loss throughout the episode. Her friend Joey Baena was tragically killed in January at the age of 47. The suicide death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
In the podcast episode, now available in video format on YouTube, Plaza shared how her role made her feel thankful to be alive. She stated, “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you,” conveying her appreciation for the moment despite the struggle she faces.
In a candid interview, Plaza shared how she has been dealing with her grief on the front lines. “I think, like, I’m OK. You know, it’s like a daily struggle,” she reflected. This honest expression of grief is a powerful reminder that even as time passes, emotional struggles with loss remain.
Plaza’s comments to Poehler before shooting her scenes for Plaza’s 2025 thriller “The Gorge” have a reason to be similar. In the movie, Miles Teller’s character goes up against larger-than-life ogres. This fight becomes a poignant metaphor for Plaza’s real-life, ongoing fight against her survivor’s guilt. She explained how dealing with grief can be just as overwhelming and inescapable.
Beyond just her physical health, Plaza emphasized her general experience of thriving and robustness. I do too… I feel alive and awake and actively engaged. Where I’m just so thankful to have made it through the world,” she said. This recognition of her present condition signals a shift between living with grief and able to celebrate with joy.
As Plaza spoke about her personal experiences, she reiterated the importance of reaching out for support during tough times. She provided information for those struggling with similar issues, encouraging individuals to reach out to support lines such as 988 or 800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there for you 24/7 at 988lifeline.org or by calling 800-273-8255.
Aubrey Plaza’s heartfelt reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding grief and the importance of support in navigating such challenging emotions. Her openness about her struggles encourages others to confront their feelings and seek help when needed.
