US actress Aubrey Plaza made an emotional return to the spotlight on Sunday, introducing a musical guest during the 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The appearance marked one of her first public outings since the tragic death of her husband, Jeff Baena, in January.
Baena, a screenwriter and director, passed away on 3 January at the age of 47, with the Los Angeles County medical examiner ruling his death as suicide. At the time, a statement from Plaza and the Baena/Stern family described his passing as “an unimaginable tragedy.”
Plaza, 40, who had previously hosted SNL in 2023, took the stage at the star-studded event to introduce Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed an emotional cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U*. The powerful performance was a poignant moment in the three-hour special, which honoured five decades of the iconic US sketch show.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s partnership
Baena and Plaza had been together since 2011, marrying a decade later. The couple frequently collaborated on projects, with Baena directing Plaza in the 2014 horror-comedy Life After Beth and the 2017 historical satire The Little Hours.
A respected filmmaker, Baena also wrote and directed several acclaimed projects, including 2020’s psychological thriller Horse Girl starring Alison Brie, and the 2022 dark comedy Spin Me Round. He was also one of the writers behind the 2004 cult comedy I Heart Huckabees, which featured an ensemble cast including Jude Law, Jason Schwartzman, Dustin Hoffman, and Mark Wahlberg.
In 2021, Baena created the anthology comedy series Cinema Toast, which featured Plaza as both a director and an actor, further showcasing their creative synergy.
Star-studded SNL 50th anniversary celebration
The SNL special brought together a host of former cast members, celebrities, and musical icons to mark the landmark occasion. Among those in attendance were Steve Martin, John Mulaney, Amy Poehler, Scarlett Johansson, and Jack Nicholson.
Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively were also spotted in the audience, making headlines amid their ongoing legal dispute with Lively’s It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
The night’s musical performances were another highlight of the celebration. The show opened with a duet between Paul Simon and rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter, performing Simon & George Harrison’s 1990 hit Homeward Bound. The event concluded with a spectacular medley of songs from Abbey Road, performed by Sir Paul McCartney, capping off an evening filled with nostalgia and entertainment.
Aubrey Plaza’s emotional return
Plaza’s appearance at the event was a poignant moment for many fans, given her recent loss. The actress, best known for her deadpan wit and standout roles in Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus, and Emily the Criminal, kept her remarks brief yet heartfelt, as she introduced the musical segment.
Her presence at the event served as a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft, even in the face of personal grief. Fans and colleagues alike have expressed support for Plaza in the wake of Baena’s passing.
Support for mental health awareness
The tragic loss of Baena has once again highlighted the importance of mental health awareness. In the UK, Samaritans offers support for anyone in distress. The helpline is open 24/7 and can be reached at 116 123. Alternatively, those seeking help can email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find their nearest branch.
Plaza’s return to the stage at such a momentous occasion was met with warmth and admiration, reminding audiences of her enduring talent and strength.
