Aubrey Plaza returned to the stage at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special last night. This marked her first public appearance since the tragic death of her husband, Jeff Baena, last month. Plaza introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed a cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She kept her introduction brief, simply stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.”
For her appearance, Plaza wore a tie-dye shirt under a black blazer.
This choice held special meaning, as tie-dye was a shared passion for the couple. In a 2021 interview, Plaza had shared that she and Baena wore tie-dye pajamas, which he had made during the COVID-19 quarantine, for their impromptu wedding. Plaza and Baena began dating in 2011 and secretly married in 2021.
Following Baena’s unexpected death at the age of 47 on January 3, Plaza and his family released a statement expressing their grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Plaza’s first public return
Plaza had been scheduled to present at the 2025 Golden Globes on January 5 but understandably stepped back from this commitment in the wake of her loss.
Her appearance at the SNL anniversary special came after a recently aired Ritz cracker commercial, which had been filmed prior to Baena’s passing. As Plaza continues to navigate this challenging period, her presence at the event served as a reminder of her resilience and the support she has from friends, family, and fans. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help.
In the United States, you can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24/7. For international resources, visit befrienders.org. The Trevor Project is also available to support LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386.