Aubrey Plaza is an American actress, producer and comedian who first gained wide recognition as April Ludgate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Since her breakout in 2009, she has built a filmography that spans indie comedies, horror-comedy hybrids, prestige television and major streaming franchises. Her deadpan delivery and willingness to take on morally ambiguous, darkly comic or emotionally guarded characters have made her one of the most distinctive performers of her generation. This guide covers every Aubrey Plaza movie and TV show, her best-reviewed performances, her personal life with husband Jeff Baena, and what she has coming next.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on 26 June 1984, Plaza studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and cut her teeth in improv and sketch comedy before landing the role that would define her early career. From there she moved into film with increasing confidence, producing several of her own projects and eventually earning Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for work that balances comedy with genuine dramatic weight.
Aubrey Plaza’s Complete Filmography: All Movies and TV Shows
~40+ (including shorts)
15+ (including recurring roles)
Nominated: Emmy, Independent Spirit, Critics’ Choice
2 announced (as of 2025)
- Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), becoming a fan favourite for her dry humour.
- She has successfully transitioned from comedy to dramatic roles in films such as Emily the Criminal and the HBO series The White Lotus.
- Her husband Jeff Baena is a frequent collaborator, having directed her in Life After Beth and The Little Hours.
- Future projects include a mystery thriller set for 2026 and a serialised TV role.
- Plaza studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and began her career in improv and sketch comedy.
- She earned Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role in The White Lotus.
- In 2024 she played Rio Vidal / Death in the Marvel Disney+ series Agatha All Along.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aubrey Christina Plaza |
| Born | 26 June 1984, Wilmington, Delaware, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, comedian, producer |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Spouse | Jeff Baena (married 2021) |
| Breakout Role | April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation |
| Most Acclaimed Film | Emily the Criminal (2022) |
For a complete listing of every credit, including short films and voice work, Aubrey Plaza’s filmography, TV work, and career highlights provides the full detail.
Aubrey Plaza in Wednesday and Other Major TV Roles
Aubrey Plaza appeared in the first season of Netflix’s Wednesday (2022). Her specific role has not been publicly disclosed in full, though her involvement is confirmed on Aubrey Plaza on IMDb and Aubrey Plaza on Wikipedia. Whether she will return for a second season has not been officially announced as of mid-2025.
Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Plaza played April Ludgate, the deadpan, animal-loving intern turned full-time Pawnee employee. The role ran for seven seasons and remains the performance she is most widely associated with. The show also included a 2020 reunion special, A Parks and Recreation Special.
Legion (2017–2019)
In FX’s Legion, she played Shadow King / Lenny Busker, a dual-role that demanded significant range. The performance was widely praised and demonstrated her ability to handle psychologically complex material.
The White Lotus (2022)
Plaza starred as Harper in season two of HBO’s anthology series. The role earned her Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, marking a clear step into prestige television.
Agatha All Along (2024)
She played Rio Vidal / Death in this Marvel Disney+ series, her first major entry into the superhero and franchise space.
Plaza has also guest-starred on Criminal Minds, appeared in the animated series Little Demon, Duncanville and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and done voice work for The Legend of Korra, The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants and Monsters at Work. She has hosted Saturday Night Live.
Aubrey Plaza’s Best Movies: Critics’ Favourites and Fan Favourites
According to Rotten Tomatoes data cited in the research, the most critically acclaimed Aubrey Plaza films include Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Safety Not Guaranteed (2012), Ned Rifle (2014), Ingrid Goes West (2017), The Little Hours (2017), Black Bear (2020), Happiest Season (2020), Emily the Criminal (2022) and My Old Ass (2024).
Emily the Criminal (2022)
Plaza produced and starred in this independent thriller about a woman drawn into credit card fraud. It received strong reviews and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her performance.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
She produced and starred as a troubled young woman who moves to Los Angeles to befriend an Instagram influencer. The film was a critical success and cemented her reputation for dark, uncomfortable comedy.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Her first major indie lead role, playing a magazine intern investigating a man who places a classified ad seeking a time-travel companion.
My Old Ass (2024)
Plaza played the older version of a young woman who meets her future self during a mushroom trip. The film premiered at festivals in 2024.
Who Is Aubrey Plaza Married To? The Story of Jeff Baena
Aubrey Plaza is married to filmmaker Jeff Baena. The two began dating in 2011 after meeting through mutual friends, according to public biographical information. They married in a private ceremony in 2021.
Who is Jeff Baena?
Baena is a screenwriter and director. His work includes Life After Beth (2014), a horror-comedy starring Plaza, and The Little Hours (2017), in which Plaza played a rebellious nun. He also directed Joshy (2016), which featured Plaza in the cast. The couple have collaborated professionally on multiple projects, with Plaza often serving as a producer.
Do they have children?
As of mid-2025, Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena do not have children.
Plaza has described working with Baena as uniquely trusting. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, she said: “Jeff is my favourite person to work with because we have total trust.” Their professional relationship includes producing credits on several of his films.
Upcoming Aubrey Plaza Movies and TV Shows: 2025 and Beyond
As of 2025, Plaza has two announced future projects. A new film directed by Jeff Baena is in production, with a likely 2026 release. Further details about the title and plot have not yet been made public. Additionally, a serialised TV role has been reported but specifics remain unconfirmed.
Honey Don’t (2025)
Plaza is listed in the cast of Honey Don’t, a film expected in 2025. Details about the project are limited at this stage.
Post-production projects
Two additional films, The Accompanist and Animal Friends, are listed as being in post-production. Release dates have not been confirmed.
Rumoured projects
There is speculation about Plaza appearing in season two of Wednesday and potentially entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a more permanent capacity. Neither of these has been officially confirmed as of mid-2025.
Iconic Aubrey Plaza Roles: Scott Pilgrim, Emily the Criminal, and More
Julie Powers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Plaza played Julie Powers, a sarcastic and confrontational member of Scott Pilgrim’s social circle. The film has since achieved cult status, and the role remains one of her most quoted.
April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation
Her signature role, April Ludgate, defined the deadpan archetype that Plaza has refined throughout her career. The character began as a minor figure and grew into a central part of the ensemble.
Harper in The White Lotus
In season two of Mike White’s anthology, Plaza played a guarded, observant wife whose suspicions about her husband drive much of the plot. The role demonstrated her capacity for dramatic tension and earned major awards attention.
Rio Vidal / Death in Agatha All Along
Her Marvel debut cast her as a mysterious, powerful figure in the WandaVision spin-off, marking her entry into franchise filmmaking.
How Did Aubrey Plaza’s Career Develop Over Time?
- 2006 – First credited short film (Kill Switch).
- 2009 – Cast as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation (main cast until 2015).
- 2010 – Role of Julie Powers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
- 2012 – Lead in Safety Not Guaranteed, her first major indie lead.
- 2014 – Married Jeff Baena in a private ceremony.
- 2017 – Starred in Ingrid Goes West to critical praise; also produced.
- 2022 – Dramatic lead in Emily the Criminal (Independent Spirit nomination).
- 2023 – Played Harper in The White Lotus season two (recurring).
- 2024 – Led in My Old Ass and played Rio Vidal in Agatha All Along.
- 2025 – New film project directed by Jeff Baena announced (release TBD).
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Aubrey Plaza?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Aubrey Plaza is in Netflix’s Wednesday (season one). | Whether she will appear in Wednesday season two has not been officially announced. |
| Jeff Baena is her husband (married 2021). | The specific plot of her upcoming 2026 film has not been revealed. |
| She has a film in production directed by Jeff Baena with a likely 2026 release. | Any involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe beyond Agatha All Along remains rumour only. |
| She earned Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for The White Lotus. | No official confirmation of a role in future seasons of The White Lotus. |
Why Aubrey Plaza’s Career Stands Out
Aubrey Plaza has carved a niche as the deadpan queen of comedy while earning dramatic credibility. Her indie hits like Ingrid Goes West and Emily the Criminal show range often unseen by mainstream audiences. Her personal life, including her marriage to director Jeff Baena, intersects with her professional work, and the two have collaborated on several films, adding a layer of artistic synergy.
The shift from Parks and Recreation to The White Lotus and Wednesday shows a deliberate move toward darker, more complex roles, aligning with industry trends for character-driven content. Her ability to blend comedy with discomfort, menace or melancholy has become a defining part of her public screen identity.
Key Sources and Quotes
“I’m not a dramatic actress. I’m a comedian who does dramatic parts.”
Aubrey Plaza in a 2022 interview with The Guardian
“Jeff is my favourite person to work with because we have total trust.”
Aubrey Plaza on collaborating with husband Jeff Baena, Vanity Fair 2023
Additional sources used in this article include Aubrey Plaza on Rotten Tomatoes for critical reception data, and production listings from industry outlets such as Variety and Deadline for upcoming project information.
What’s Next for Aubrey Plaza?
Aubrey Plaza has a new film directed by Jeff Baena in production with a likely 2026 release. A serialised TV role has been rumoured but not confirmed. Her recent move into franchise television with Agatha All Along and continued indie film work suggests a career balanced between mainstream visibility and artistic independence. For a deeper look at every credit, visit Aubrey Plaza movies and television roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aubrey Plaza’s age?
Aubrey Plaza was born on 26 June 1984, making her 40 as of 2025.
Has Aubrey Plaza won an Emmy?
She has been nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards (as a producer) but has not won.
Does Aubrey Plaza have children?
As of mid-2025, she and Jeff Baena do not have children.
Where was Aubrey Plaza born?
Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
Is Aubrey Plaza in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
She has not appeared in an MCU film or series as of 2025 beyond her role in Agatha All Along.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s net worth?
Estimates vary around $8–12 million, based on known roles and production credits.
How did Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena meet?
They met in 2011 through mutual friends and began dating; later married in 2021.
What movies has Aubrey Plaza directed?
She has not directed a feature film, but she has produced (e.g., The Little Hours).
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