Aubrey Plaza, born June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware, is an American actress, producer, and comedian best known for her deadpan humor and breakout role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation. By 2026, she has become a critically acclaimed performer with notable roles in The White Lotus, Emily the Criminal, and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, earning Golden Globe nominations and recognition as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aubrey Christina Plaza |
| Birthdate | June 26, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Wilmington, Delaware, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Puerto Rican (paternal), Irish/English (maternal) |
| Education | NYU Tisch School of the Arts |
| Breakthrough Role | April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation |
| Major Films | Safety Not Guaranteed, Ingrid Goes West, Emily the Criminal, Megalopolis |
| Major TV Roles | Parks and Recreation, Legion, The White Lotus |
| Awards | Golden Globe nomination, Independent Spirit nomination |
| Height | 5ft 4 ½ (163.8 cm) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $8–10 million |
| Recognition | Versatile actress, acclaimed for deadpan humor and dramatic range |
Early Life and Family Background
Aubrey Christina Plaza was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Bernadette and David Plaza. Her father is of Puerto Rican descent, while her mother has Irish and English roots. Raised in a multicultural household, Aubrey grew up with two sisters, Renee and Natalie.
Childhood Influences
- Attended Ursuline Academy, an all‑girls Catholic school.
- Active in theater productions and improv comedy during high school.
- Experienced a stroke at age 20, which temporarily caused paralysis and expressive aphasia. She recovered fully, but the event shaped her resilience and outlook.
Education
Plaza studied film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006. During her time in New York, she performed improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, sharpening her comedic style.
Career Beginnings (2006–2008)
- Interned at various film companies and performed in comedy clubs.
- Appeared in web series and short films.
- Built a reputation for her unique deadpan delivery and offbeat humor.
Breakthrough Role: Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Plaza’s role as April Ludgate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation made her a household name. Her sarcastic, deadpan character became iconic, earning her critical praise and a devoted fan base.
Film Career Highlights
- Funny People (2009) – supporting role alongside Adam Sandler.
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – played Julie Powers.
- Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) – indie success that showcased her dramatic range.
- Dirty Grandpa (2016) – comedic role opposite Robert De Niro.
- Ingrid Goes West (2017) – starred as a social media stalker, earning critical acclaim.
- Child’s Play (2019) – horror remake.
- Black Bear (2020) – praised for her intense performance.
- Emily the Criminal (2022) – earned widespread acclaim and Independent Spirit Award nomination.
- Megalopolis (2024) – starred in Francis Ford Coppola’s ambitious dystopian epic.
Television Career
- Parks and Recreation (2009–2015).
- Legion (2017–2019) – surreal role as Lenny Busker.
- The White Lotus (2022) – played Harper Spiller, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
- Agatha All Along (2024) – Marvel series appearance.
Personal Life
Aubrey Plaza’s private life has been marked by both stability and tragedy. She married filmmaker Jeff Baena in 2021, but he sadly passed away in 2025. Plaza is known for keeping her personal affairs discreet, balancing her career with a preference for privacy and a close circle of family and friends.
Family and Relationships
- Spouse: Aubrey Plaza married Jeff Baena, a screenwriter and director, in 2021. Their relationship was long‑term before marriage. Baena’s death in 2025 was a significant personal loss.
- Children: Aubrey Plaza does not have children.
- Family Background: She is the daughter of David Plaza (Puerto Rican heritage) and Bernadette Plaza (Irish/English descent). She has two sisters, Renee and Natalie.
Lifestyle and Privacy
- Age (2026): 41 years old.
- Residence: Primarily based in Los Angeles, though she travels frequently for film projects.
- Privacy: Plaza is known for her quirky personality but keeps her private life away from tabloid attention. She rarely discusses relationships or family matters in interviews.
- Health: At age 20, she suffered a stroke, which temporarily caused paralysis and speech difficulties. She recovered fully, but the experience shaped her resilience.
Personal Interests
- Enjoys improv comedy and continues to perform occasionally.
- Advocates for diversity in Hollywood, often highlighting her Puerto Rican heritage.
- Known for her dark humor and unconventional approach to both career and life.
Private Life Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Jeff Baena (m. 2021 – d. 2025) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | David Plaza (Puerto Rican), Bernadette Plaza (Irish/English) |
| Siblings | Renee Plaza, Natalie Plaza |
| Age (2026) | 41 years old |
| Residence | Los Angeles, USA |
| Lifestyle | Private, family‑oriented, quirky personality |
| Health Event | Stroke at age 20, fully recovered |
Aubrey Plaza’s private life reflects a balance between public success and personal discretion. Her marriage to Jeff Baena was a cornerstone of her personal stability, and his passing in 2025 marked a tragic chapter. Despite hardships, Plaza has maintained resilience, focusing on her career while keeping her family life largely private. Her multicultural background and health challenges have shaped her unique perspective, contributing to her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most authentic and unconventional figures.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Aubrey Plaza’s net worth is estimated at around $7–10 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her acting career in television and film, with additional income from producing, endorsements, and comedy performances.
Net Worth Overview
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): Between $7 million and $10 million
- Age: 41 years old.
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Acting in television (Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus, Legion).
- Film roles (Safety Not Guaranteed, Ingrid Goes West, Emily the Criminal, Megalopolis).
- Producing independent projects.
- Endorsements and brand collaborations.
- Financial Growth: Plaza’s earnings increased significantly after her breakout role in Parks and Recreation and continued to rise with critically acclaimed performances in Emily the Criminal and The White Lotus.
Income Sources
- Television:
- Parks and Recreation (2009–2015) provided steady income and mainstream recognition.
- The White Lotus (2022) earned her a Golden Globe nomination, boosting her profile.
- Film Career:
- Indie success with Safety Not Guaranteed (2012).
- Critical acclaim for Ingrid Goes West (2017) and Emily the Criminal (2022).
- High‑profile role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis (2024).
- Producing:
- Plaza has produced independent films, diversifying her income streams.
- Endorsements & Collaborations:
- Occasional partnerships with fashion and lifestyle brands.
Net Worth Summary Table
| Source of Wealth | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Television Acting | Major income from long‑term series roles |
| Film Acting | Significant earnings from indie and blockbuster films |
| Producing | Additional revenue from independent projects |
| Endorsements | Supplemental income from brand collaborations |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $7–10 million |
Aubrey Plaza’s financial profile reflects the career of a versatile actress who successfully transitioned from comedy to drama. While she is not among Hollywood’s highest‑paid stars, her consistent work across television, film, and producing has ensured financial stability. Her net worth of $7–10 million highlights steady growth, with critical acclaim positioning her for even greater opportunities in the future.
Analysis
Aubrey Plaza’s career reflects adaptability and originality. Starting with comedy, she transitioned into drama and experimental roles, proving her range. Her Golden Globe nomination for The White Lotus and acclaim for Emily the Criminal solidified her as more than a comedic actress. Financially, her net worth of $8–10 million reflects steady growth, while her influence lies in her ability to challenge Hollywood norms with unconventional performances.
Legacy and Future Outlook
- Versatility: Moves seamlessly between comedy, drama, and surreal roles.
- Critical Recognition: Award nominations highlight her credibility.
- Influence: Inspires young actors with her resilience and unique style.
- Future Projects: Expected to expand into producing and directing, strengthening her creative footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aubrey Plaza
Who is Aubrey Plaza?
Aubrey Plaza (born June 26, 1984) is an American actress, comedian, and producer. She is best known for her role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation and her acclaimed performances in Emily the Criminal and The White Lotus.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s net worth?
As of 2026, Aubrey Plaza’s net worth is estimated between $7 million and $10 million, earned through acting, producing, endorsements, and comedy performances.
What are Aubrey Plaza’s most famous roles?
Her most notable performances include:
- April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
- Lenny Busker in Legion (2017–2019)
- Harper Spiller in The White Lotus (2022)
- Ingrid Thorburn in Ingrid Goes West (2017)
- Emily in Emily the Criminal (2022)
- Roles in Safety Not Guaranteed (2012), Black Bear (2020), and Megalopolis (2024)
How old is Aubrey Plaza in 2026?
Aubrey Plaza is 41 years old in 2026.
Is Aubrey Plaza married?
Yes. Aubrey Plaza married filmmaker Jeff Baena in 2021.
Does Aubrey Plaza have children?
No. Aubrey Plaza does not have children.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s family background?
She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to David Plaza (Puerto Rican heritage) and Bernadette Plaza (Irish/English descent). She has two sisters, Renee and Natalie.
Has Aubrey Plaza won any awards?
She has received several nominations, including:
- Golden Globe nomination for The White Lotus (2022).
- Independent Spirit Award nomination for Emily the Criminal (2022).
Her performances in indie films have earned widespread critical acclaim.
Where does Aubrey Plaza live?
Aubrey Plaza resides primarily in Los Angeles, California, though she travels frequently for film projects.
Why is Aubrey Plaza considered influential?
She is considered influential because of her unique comedic style, versatility in dramatic roles, and advocacy for diversity in Hollywood. Her ability to move seamlessly between indie films, mainstream television, and experimental projects has made her a respected figure in modern cinema.