Aubrey Plaza made a poignant return to Saturday Night Live for its star-studded 50th anniversary special on February 16, 2025. The appearance marked the actress’s first public appearance since the tragic death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who passed away at 47 on January 3.
In a show of subtle strength and grace, Plaza introduced the musical performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, delivering the announcement while dressed in an outfit that appeared to honor her late spouse.
Watch Plaza introduce Cyrus and Howard for their performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in the video below.
Fans quickly noticed Plaza’s choice of clothing, as she wore a tie-dye shirt beneath a sleek black blazer. This was no coincidence—tie-dye was a beloved hobby of Baena, and it had even played a role in the couple’s unconventional wedding ceremony in 2021.
During a 2021 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Plaza had shared how she and Baena, who had taken up tie-dyeing during the pandemic, wore matching tie-dye pajamas for their spontaneous wedding.
The shirt she wore at SNL50 seemed to serve as a quiet tribute to their time together and her deep connection with Baena.
Also Read: The Best Moments from the SNL 50th Anniversary Special
The tragic loss of Jeff Baena, which has left the entertainment world reeling, occurred less than a week before Plaza was set to appear at the Golden Globe Awards. After the devastating news of his death, Plaza withdrew from the ceremony, taking time to grieve privately with her family.
Her return to the public eye, although brief, showed the resilience she’s known for, as she paid homage to both her late husband and their shared experiences.
In the weeks following Baena’s death, Plaza and her family released a statement acknowledging the profound impact of the loss, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy” and requesting privacy during their time of mourning.
The cause of Jeff Baena’s death was reported as suicide, a devastating blow to those who knew and loved the talented filmmaker. Baena’s creative legacy includes works such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Spin Me Round, films he co-wrote and directed alongside his wife.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s bond was a unique one, shaped by both their personal and professional lives. Their collaborations over the years—whether through films or the unique ways they embraced life together—formed a foundation of shared memories that Plaza continues to hold dear.
Through the sadness of his death, Plaza has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow stars alike. On the stage of SNL50, Plaza’s understated tribute to Baena was a moving moment of remembrance, honoring a relationship that had impacted both their lives and their work.
Aubrey Plaza’s return to SNL was more than just an appearance—it was a reminder of her strength, her love for Baena, and the profound loss she’s now navigating.
As she continues to heal, Plaza has shown that while grief is deeply personal, honoring a loved one’s memory can sometimes be as simple as a quiet, meaningful gesture.
Fans of Plaza, Baena, and their work will continue to celebrate the beautiful bond they shared, remembering both their artistic legacy and their deep love for one another.
As Plaza begins to heal, the support of those around her offers hope for the future, and her appearance at SNL50 was a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love and the strength of those who carry on after loss.
