Aubrey Plaza Wears Late Husband Jeff Baena’s Tie-Dye Shirt at SNL50 Special in First Public Appearance Since His Death

Aubrey Plaza Honors Late Husband Jeff Baena at SNL 50th Anniversary Special
(Images: Aubrey Plaza onstage at SNL; Plaza and Baena in 2016; Plaza introducing Miley Cyrus; Baena directing on set)

Aubrey Plaza made her first public appearance since the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday. The 40-year-old actress, known for Parks and Recreation, introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard during the NBC and Peacock broadcast but opted out of the star-studded red carpet.

Plaza’s understated outfit—a black blazer, slacks, and a tie-dye T-shirt—paid subtle tribute to Baena. The couple had married in 2020 wearing matching tie-dyed pajamas he crafted himself. Her appearance came six weeks after Baena’s death by suicide at age 47 on January 3, 2025, at their Los Angeles home.

A Private Partnership
(Images: Plaza and Baena at 2014 premiere; casual wedding photo)

Plaza and Baena, who met during a game of Balderdash in 2011, shared a deep creative bond. They collaborated on films like Life After Beth (2014), his directorial debut, and Spin Me Round (2022). The couple married privately during the pandemic, with Plaza confirming their union in a 2021 Instagram post calling Baena her “darling husband.”

In a 2021 interview, Plaza described their spontaneous backyard wedding as “witchy,” held on their 10th anniversary. “We’re obsessed with movies,” she once told Page Six. “That’s why we make them together.”

Industry Tributes
(Image: Brady Corbet at Golden Globes)

Days after Baena’s death, Plaza withdrew from presenting at the 2025 Golden Globes. During the ceremony, director Brady Corbet dedicated his Best Director win to her, stating, “Tonight, my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”

Plaza and Baena’s family released a joint statement calling the loss “an unimaginable tragedy” and requesting privacy.

Legacy of Collaboration
(Image: Plaza on SNL stage in 2023)

Plaza’s brief return to SNL marked a poignant full-circle moment. She previously hosted the show in January 2023, showcasing her signature deadpan humor. Though subdued, her appearance honored Baena’s memory while celebrating the show’s milestone.

Fans and colleagues continue to rally around Plaza, whose quiet strength and tribute through fashion underscored her enduring connection to Baena. As she navigates this loss, their artistic collaborations remain a testament to their shared passion.

For support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

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