Aubrey Plaza Honors Late Husband at SNL50 Special

Aubrey Plaza made a poignant return to the public eye during the SNL50 anniversary special on February 16, 2025, marking her first appearance since the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died by suicide on January 3. Plaza, dressed in a black blazer over a tie-dyed shirt, appeared to pay tribute to Baena, with whom she had a long relationship and collaborative history in film. During the event, she introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed a cover of Sinéad O'Connor’s hit 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' Plaza's brief but impactful appearance sparked significant attention and support from fans online, following her recent withdrawal from public engagements, including the Golden Globes. The SNL50 special celebrated the show's rich history, featuring numerous former cast members and iconic performances. Plaza's emotional return may signal a gradual re-entry into the public sphere after a period of mourning and reflection.