As of 2024, Aubrey Plaza’s net worth is estimated at around $8 million. Her earnings stem from a steady career in television, film, and now streaming, thanks to her recent ventures with high-profile projects like The White Lotus (Season 2) and her upcoming role in Marvel's Agatha: Darkhold Diaries on Disney+. Plaza’s early success as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation established her financially, while her ability to pivot to darker, more complex roles in films like Ingrid Goes West and Black Bear helped her build a solid reputation in Hollywood’s indie scene. Her net worth has been further bolstered by producing projects, such as Ingrid Goes West, where she also served as an executive producer. Plaza's savvy career choices and talent for versatility have allowed her to remain a relevant and in-demand actress. With her Marvel debut on the horizon, her net worth is likely to see growth as she reaches an even wider audience.
Gen Z is drawn to Aubrey Plaza for her authenticity, unique sense of humor, and willingness to defy industry norms. Known for her deadpan delivery, she resonates with younger audiences who appreciate humor that’s quirky, dark, and unfiltered. Plaza’s role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation has made her a favorite among those who value characters that push back against conventional expectations.
Beyond her comedic persona, Gen Z admires Plaza for her ability to tackle diverse roles, from dark comedies to thrillers. Her performance in The White Lotus (Season 2) revealed her depth and complexity as an actress, solidifying her reputation as more than just a comedic actor. Additionally, her down-to-earth personality and irreverent interviews often go viral, appealing to Gen Z’s appreciation for celebrities who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Aubrey’s relatable, unapologetic persona makes her a popular figure among Gen Z, who appreciate her for embracing her individuality and creating characters that often mirror their own generation’s quirks and challenges. For many fans, she’s a symbol of embracing one’s eccentricities.
“She’s a comedy genius. I love how she’s always herself and not afraid to be weird. Aubrey’s a real one.”
—Jules, 22, Portland, OR
“She’s awesome, but I’d like to see her more in lead roles. She’s talented enough to carry a movie.”
—Leo, 20, Austin, TX
Aubrey Plaza was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to a Puerto Rican father and an Irish mother. Growing up with two younger sisters, Aubrey developed a unique sense of humor, which often helped her navigate her multicultural identity and express herself in new ways. Known for her wit and dry humor, she started performing in school plays and quickly realized her passion for the stage.
After graduating from Ursuline Academy, a Catholic all-girls school, Aubrey moved to New York City to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. During her time at Tisch, she honed her comedic skills and interned at Saturday Night Live, which further fueled her love for sketch comedy. Plaza’s early career was shaped by her work in improv comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, where she developed her signature deadpan style.
Her career breakthrough came with her role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), a role that allowed her to showcase her unique comedic timing and helped her become a pop culture icon. Plaza’s deadpan humor and offbeat characters quickly made her a standout, establishing her as a major force in comedy and opening the door to various film roles. Beyond comedy, she has explored dramatic and horror genres, showcasing her range and adaptability.
Aubrey Plaza’s career has been defined by a unique blend of dark humor, dramatic depth, and genre-spanning performances. She first made waves with her breakout role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), where her deadpan, sarcastic character became a fan favorite and established Plaza as a rising comedic talent. This role opened the door to a variety of film and television opportunities that would showcase her range, from indie films to mainstream hits.
Her film debut in Funny People (2009), alongside Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, and her role in the cult favorite Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) cemented her early success in comedy. In Safety Not Guaranteed (2012), an indie sci-fi rom-com, Plaza played a journalist investigating a time travel ad, which allowed her to explore a more heartfelt side of her acting repertoire.
In 2017, Plaza gained acclaim for her lead role in Ingrid Goes West, a dark satire on social media culture in which she played a troubled young woman obsessed with becoming an influencer. Her nuanced performance earned her praise from critics and audiences, who appreciated her ability to portray flawed yet relatable characters. Ingrid Goes West became a cult hit and expanded her reputation as an actress capable of navigating complex, layered roles.
Continuing to push her creative boundaries, Plaza ventured into horror with Child’s Play (2019), where she took on the role of a single mother in a remake of the classic horror movie. This was followed by Black Bear (2020), a psychological thriller that showcased her range in a dark, introspective storyline about creativity, relationships, and betrayal. Plaza’s performance was widely acclaimed, with critics praising her intensity and skill in navigating a complex and surreal narrative.
In 2022, Plaza starred in The White Lotus (Season 2), playing Harper Spiller, a cynical lawyer whose vacation takes unexpected emotional turns. Her performance brought new depth to her career, as she delivered a subtle yet powerful portrayal of a character grappling with complex relationships and societal pressures. The role garnered her further acclaim, marking her as an actress capable of blending dark humor with drama in a way few others can.
Most recently, Plaza entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe, joining the highly anticipated series Agatha: Darkhold Diaries (previously titled Agatha: Coven of Chaos). Set to release on Disney+ in late 2024, the show is a spinoff of WandaVision and follows Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn. Plaza plays Rio Vidal, a witch with dark powers, joining Agatha’s supernatural circle. Her role promises to be a mix of comedy, mystery, and dark magic, which perfectly aligns with her strengths as an actress known for eccentric, offbeat characters. This high-profile addition to her filmography has generated considerable excitement among fans, particularly as Plaza brings her darkly humorous edge to the Marvel world.
Aubrey Plaza’s career is one of constant evolution, marked by a willingness to take on unconventional roles that challenge her creatively. Whether in comedy, horror, or superhero franchises, Plaza continues to surprise audiences, solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile and unpredictable talents in Hollywood. Her future projects are highly anticipated, as fans and critics alike look forward to her unique brand of humor and intensity.
Aubrey Plaza has been known to keep her love life relatively private, although her longtime relationship with director and screenwriter Jeff Baena has drawn attention over the years. Plaza and Baena began dating in 2011, and the couple shares a strong personal and professional bond. They’ve worked together on several projects, including the film Life After Beth (2014), a dark comedy in which Plaza starred and Baena directed.
In 2021, Plaza casually announced that she and Baena had married in an Instagram post, referring to him as her “darling husband.” The announcement was unexpected and understated, in keeping with Plaza’s low-key approach to her personal life. Their relationship is respected for its supportive nature and mutual creative collaboration, with Baena often encouraging Plaza’s comedic and dramatic work.
The couple continues to work on projects together, balancing their professional lives with their relationship. Plaza has spoken about the benefits of sharing a creative connection with her partner, and she values the stability and understanding that Baena brings to her life. Though they remain private, the couple’s long-term relationship and mutual respect resonate with fans who admire Plaza’s genuine approach to both her personal and professional lives.
Aubrey Plaza’s inner circle includes a mix of fellow actors, comedians, and creatives she’s collaborated with over the years. She has a close friendship with Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehler, who she often credits as a mentor in her comedy career. The two share a strong bond, and Poehler has been a supportive presence in Plaza’s life, both on-screen and off. Another notable friendship is with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World co-star Michael Cera. Their shared quirky humor and collaborative history have fostered a unique camaraderie, often reflected in their on-screen chemistry. Plaza is also friends with Elizabeth Olsen, whom she starred alongside in Ingrid Goes West. The two share an offbeat sense of humor and have been seen supporting each other at industry events. Plaza’s friendships highlight her preference for authentic, grounded connections within the entertainment industry.
Aubrey Plaza’s interests outside of acting reflect her eclectic and artistic personality. Known for her love of improvisation and offbeat comedy, Plaza has a passion for comedy clubs and regularly attends shows to support friends and discover new comedic talent. Her roots in improv still play a central role in her creative life, and she credits her time with the Upright Citizens Brigade for shaping her unique sense of humor. In addition to comedy, Plaza is a fan of art and often attends galleries, especially when she’s traveling. She has a particular interest in surrealist and unconventional artwork, which aligns with her own creative personality. Plaza also enjoys writing, and she’s expressed interest in one day publishing a memoir or exploring scriptwriting. Her love of the outdoors keeps her active, and she frequently goes hiking. Known for her adventurous spirit, Plaza has also tried her hand at activities like skydiving, channeling her fearless attitude toward both her personal life and career. Her hobbies reflect a blend of creativity, curiosity, and a desire to explore life’s unconventional paths.
