Aubrey Plaza honors late husband Jeff Baena during 'SNL 50' special in first appearance since his death
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Aubrey Plaza paid an emotional and meaningful tribute to her late husband, Jeff Baena, during the 'Saturday Night Live 50: The Anniversary Special' on Sunday night, February 16.
The special, which brought together numerous stars to celebrate the legacy of the iconic sketch show, marked Plaza’s first public appearance since Baena’s untimely death.
Aubrey Plaza's tribute to late husband Jeff Baena
Dressed in a black pantsuit and a colorful tie-dye shirt, Aubrey Plaza’s choice of attire was a touching nod to Jeff Baena, with whom she shared a unique tie-dye-themed wedding during the Covid-19 quarantine.
The couple, who had been together for over a decade, secretly tied the knot in 2020.
Their intimate wedding was a reflection of their free-spirited personalities, wearing tie-dye pajamas crafted by Baena himself.
During a 2021 appearance on 'The Drew Barrymore Show,' Plaza fondly recounted their impromptu nuptials, sharing how Baena became engrossed in tie-dyeing during the pandemic lockdown.
She humorously described wearing a rosemary crown with their matching pajamas, a memory that now holds even greater significance.
The couple’s unconventional wedding story, involving an impromptu ceremony, was later shared during Plaza’s appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'
“We got a little bored one night. We got married and I’ll tell you how: Onehourmarriage.com. That’s real, look it up,” Plaza said in December 2021.
“I created a very quick love altar in our yard. Facts of our love, little stones, smoke, fire. Things of that nature," she recalled.
"Then the man from Alhambra showed up. I can’t remember a lot of it, it was fuzzy. But, I’m pretty sure it was legal,” Plaza shared.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's collaborations
Beyond their relationship, Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena shared a deep creative bond.
The couple collaborated on several film projects, including 'Spin Me Around', 'The Little Hours', and 'Life After Beth.'
Plaza often spoke highly of working alongside Baena, crediting him for inspiring her and shaping her craft.
In a 2022 interview, Baena expressed his gratitude for collaborating with Plaza, saying, “The opportunity to do something creative [together] where we’re both fulfilled — how rare is that?”
Jeff Baena's tragic death at 47
The entertainment industry was left in shock when news broke of Jeff Baena’s death on January 3, 2024, at the age of 47.
Baena was found unresponsive in their Los Angeles-area home by an assistant, leaving Plaza and their loved ones devastated.
Days later, Plaza issued a joint statement with Baena’s family, expressing their profound grief and requesting privacy during the difficult time.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support,” the statement read, according to Page Six.
In the wake of Baena’s death, Plaza took a step back from social media, deactivating her Instagram account, which had last featured a heartfelt post about her husband.
